Rutgers Business School Students Showcase Problem-Solving Skills Through Real-World Learning

Students Shine at Rutgers Business School's Experiential Showcase

In a vibrant demonstration of practical application and innovation, students from Rutgers Business School showcased their problem-solving abilities at the first-ever Experiential Learning Showcase. The event, which took place on May 8, 2025, attracted a diverse group of 71 participants from both undergraduate and graduate programs, with competitors presenting projects that illustrated the integration of classroom knowledge into real-world scenarios.

Among the standout presentations, seniors Rithik Kapadia and Léo Moreno took home the first place, winning $8,000. As members of Enactus, a student social entrepreneurship organization, they highlighted their work with Agoraponic Farms, a project aimed at alleviating food insecurity by utilizing hydroponic farming techniques. These methods allow plants to grow in nutrient-rich water instead of soil, optimizing space and resources.

Kapadia, majoring in accounting, and Moreno, studying finance, shared how foundational management and finance principles played a crucial role in scaling their project, which successfully produced $4,000 worth of lettuce last year. Their produce was distributed through partnerships with a campus café and a student center dedicated to fulfilling basic needs.

The showcase, organized by Professor Mason Ameri, aimed to exhibit the essence of experiential learning by requiring participants to reflect on their projects’ impacts and the personal growth they experienced along the way. “Experiential learning is integrated deeply into our programs,” said Professor Ameri, emphasizing its vital role in equipping students with skills needed to navigate today’s complex business landscape.

Notable figures from the business world served as judges at the showcase, including Michael IIcyn of JP Morgan Chase and Daniela Koumides, a Rutgers MBA alumna now working at Cigna. Their presence lent credibility to the event, and they recognized the high caliber of student presentations.

The second prize of $7,000 was awarded to finance students Malik Vazquez, Issa Jadallah, and Jose Jimenez Gratereaux, who developed the ALPFA Fund, a student-managed investment fund designed to provide scholarships for members of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. The team’s project was not only an impressive academic exercise but also a strategic initiative aimed at empowering peers financially through education.

Third place honors went to Kevin Cheung, another senior, who engaged his Beta Alpha Psi peers in volunteer efforts to prepare tax returns for low-income residents in New Brunswick. In one remarkable instance, the team’s efforts led to a significant financial windfall for a single mother, netting her a refund of $12,000 that would support essential needs.

The showcase underscored the transformative power of experiential learning at Rutgers, where students are encouraged to explore practical applications of their studies. Each project was presented via poster boards detailing the team’s work, its impact, the classes utilized, and key learnings throughout the process.

This inaugural event not only celebrated student achievements but also highlighted the potential for growth and impact through experiential learning. The supportive environment fostered collaboration and encouraged students to consider how their studies can drive change in their communities.

Kapadia and Moreno, reflecting on their victory, expressed a belief that the win would serve as a catalyst for further development of their hydroponic initiative. Moreno stated, “This win is truly trajectory-changing. It provides us with the resources to grow the project meaningfully.” Such sentiments encapsulate the spirit of Rutgers Business School’s commitment to not only educate but empower its students to innovate and lead in the real world.