Mount Saint Mary students' ideas for shrimp tacos, chess board could be used in space

The school's NASA HUNCH teams secured spots in the Final Design Reviews at the Johnson Space Center.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:50am

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An abstract, highly structured painting in soft colors featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the innovative design of a 3D-printed chess board for use in space.A conceptual illustration of the innovative 3D-printed chess board designed by Mount Saint Mary Academy students for potential use in space exploration.Watchung Today

Students from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, New Jersey, have developed innovative ideas for shrimp tacos and a chess board that could potentially be used in space. The school's NASA HUNCH Prototype & Design and Culinary Teams have been selected as finalists to present their designs at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Why it matters

This achievement showcases the creativity and problem-solving skills of these high school students, who are tackling real-world challenges faced by NASA. Their ideas for space-friendly food and equipment demonstrate the potential for young minds to contribute to the advancement of space exploration and technology.

The details

The Prototype & Design team created a chess board designed for use on the moon or Mars, without the need for Velcro or magnets. The Culinary team developed a shrimp taco with pineapple salsa and cabbage slaw, which was selected by the NASA Food Lab for further consideration. Both teams will present their designs at the Final Design Reviews at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

  • The Final Design Reviews will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
  • The Prototype & Design team presented their 'star chess' design at a Critical Design Review at Rutgers University on February 27, 2026.
  • The Culinary team earned high marks at Passaic County Technical Institute on February 2, 2026, and were named among the global top 10 in the challenge.

The players

Mount Saint Mary Academy

A private Catholic high school in Watchung, New Jersey, that has a strong focus on STEM education and extracurricular programs.

NASA HUNCH

A program that allows high school students to design and prototype products for use in space exploration, with the opportunity to present their ideas to NASA scientists.

Olivia Assuncao, Natalia Rogers, Michaela Vendiola, and Gabriella Volpicelli

Sophomores on the Prototype & Design team who created the 'star chess' board for use in space.

Ava Bonczek, Catherine Nolan, Celia Carnesi-Silberstein, Clara Notopradono, Erica Anselmo, Gabrielle Cialdella, Isabella Biunno, Isabella Vitorino, Makena Muchiri, Maria Pasqua, Sabrina Cialdella, Sabrina Tse, Sara Mangal, and Shani Muchiri

Members of the Culinary team who developed the shrimp taco recipe for consideration by the NASA Food Lab.

Dr. Dorothea Kominos

Science department chairperson at Mount Saint Mary Academy and NASA HUNCH advisor.

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What they’re saying

“The team designed a board that could be 3D printed using recycled filament. They developed a joint between the board pieces that allows the board to roll up and an innovative ball and socket connector for the pieces to the chess board.”

— Dr. Dorothea Kominos, Science department chairperson and NASA HUNCH advisor

“Being a part of the NASA HUNCH Design and Prototype Team has been an enormous honor for us all. Our challenge pushed us to think like engineers and focus on innovation and practical design. We are incredibly honored to be selected for finalists and excited for the opportunity to present our design to an esteemed panel of NASA scientists.”

— Olivia Assuncao, Natalia Rogers, Michaela Vendiola, and Gabriella Volpicelli, Prototype & Design team members

“Being my second and final year in this program, I couldn't have imagined a better way to finish. It's been so meaningful to be part of such a skilled culinary team and to work alongside such smart and talented girls.”

— Shani Muchiri, Culinary team member

“I never thought we'd come this far, but the journey has been just as incredible as the destination, collaborating, sharing ideas, and building something special together. The energy, the teamwork, the passion... it all shows in the food. And honestly, when you're eating good, you're winning.”

— Isabella Biunno, Culinary team member

What’s next

The Mount Saint Mary Academy teams will present their designs at the Final Design Reviews at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston on April 28, 2026, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to a panel of NASA scientists.

The takeaway

The achievements of the Mount Saint Mary Academy students demonstrate the incredible potential of young minds to contribute to the advancement of space exploration and technology. Their creative solutions for space-friendly food and equipment highlight the importance of STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to tackle real-world challenges.