TWRA, TSIN Partner to Host Statewide Design Challenge

TWRA sponsored the Tennessee Stem Innovation Network (TSIN) 2025-26 Statewide Design Challenge, focusing on “Protecting, Restoring, and Promoting Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems.”

The Design Challenge empowers students to integrate prior knowledge, new discoveries, and the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to design, test, and improve a solution. This initiative challenges Tennessee students to develop innovative Solutions that address critical environmental issues facing our state’s diverse landscapes—from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River floodplains. Students from across the state participated in local and regional competitions, with the winners heading to the state competition.

The state competition was held in April at the Ed Jones Auditorium in Nashville. Eight groups representing elementary, middle, and high schools presented their projects and were judged on a specific rubric built by TSIN. The winning team from each grade level will receive an award. Additionally, there is a Boots on the Ground Award that will be presented at the May 5 TSIN Summit, going to the school with the most practical project that could be implemented by TWRA.

TWRA Public Relations Assistant Chief Chelsey Sexton served as the event coordinator for the Agency. Serving as judges were Blake Conrad (Boating and Law Enforcement), Jason Miller (Biodiversity), Sonia Mongold (Wildlife & Forestry), and Barry Cross (Region II Public Relations Coordinator). Also assisting were Emily Allen and Jason Harmon from the Public Relations team.  

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