Why are you pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering?
Growing up I was very curious and was fascinated by the way things worked. I thought it was really cool how something as small as a calculator could compute numbers faster than the human brain. This curiosity led me to choose engineering. I wanted to learn how things worked and create an improved version.
You developed an app, CampusGlue. Tell us more about what your app does.
Our app started as Maverick Connection. It is a networking app for UTA students. We launched the first version last spring and got wonderful feedback. My cofounders thought if Mavericks liked it, students in other schools would love it. We decided to rebrand and changed our name to CampusGlue.
UTA has over 50,000 students—that's the size of a small city. I thought it would be cool for a college with such a large population and diversity to have something exclusive.
How were you inspired to develop this app?
UTA has over 50,000 students—that’s the size of a small city. I thought it would be cool for a college with such a large population and diversity to have something exclusive. The app was also a solution to a problem I faced during my freshman year: I found that quick communication with classmates was almost impossible, so I decided to fix that. I then convinced my freshman-year roommate and another mutual buddy to join me.
From inception, how long did it take you and your team to build it?
The initial design took a few minutes. We drew the first version on toilet paper at Cici’s! The development of the first version took five weeks.
Why do UTA students need this app?
Many reasons! Not only does CampusGlue provide an e-directory of all students, you also get to meet new people and connect with classmates and friends within seconds. It also has utilities that students are likely to need. Our goal is to bring the entire college community to the fingertip of students.
Where can students buy it?
The app is completely free. Students can download it through the Apple App Store.
