Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today announced that Dr. Abrar Qureshi, Neil Evans, David Walker, and Dr. Doug Edmonds will serve as the Ninth District judges for the Congressional App Challenge.  The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for high school students to display their talents, engage their creativity, and encourage their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education fields.  As part of this challenge, a participating high school student or a group of up to four students may create and submit their own software application (referred to as an “app”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

THE JUDGES:

Qureshi for 9 years has been a professor at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where he teaches software engineering.  He previously worked for 10 years directing software projects at General Electric.

Evans has worked for 21 years at Bristol Compressors, which makes compressors for commercial and residential use.  Evans maintains the networks and data infrastructure as well as other communications equipment.

Walker has worked as Electrical Design Manager at ABB Bland for 4 years, and has worked in STEM fields for his entire career.  ABB Bland designs and manufactures medium voltage transformers for powering schools, factories, office buildings, and more.

Edmonds is a professor of physics at Emory and Henry College.  His research includes physics of quasars and their role in cosmic evolution, as well as gravity and the natures of dark matter and dark energy.

THE DEADLINE:

Additionally, the deadline for the Congressional App Challenge has been extended.  Students entering the competition now have until 3:00pm EST on January 21, 2016 to submit their app's source code online and provide a video demo explaining their app, what they learned through this competition process, etc.  Interested teachers, parents, or students may contact Griffith’s offices for additional information and resources.

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