The Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VIE) Program is excited to announce the inaugural recipients of the Student Innovation Fund, a new funding opportunity designed to support a diverse range of creative, socially minded, and academic projects throughout the academic year.

Generously funded by Ellen Rudnick ’72, the Student Innovation Fund provides two types of grants—Discover Grants for exploratory, faculty-advised projects, and Develop Grants for initial or one-time venture costs. Together, these awards empower students to transform ideas into tangible impact.

This inaugural cohort reflects the breadth of innovation happening at Vassar, from sustainability and data visualization to assistive technology, community platforms, and AI-driven tools.

Discover Grants

For exploratory, faculty-advised projects.

Cher Mei ’26, Scraps to Style: Sustainable Fashion in the Garment District
Advised by Mary Ellen Czesak (Biology)

Feliz Omondi ’26 and Elta Bajrami ’26, DarasaHub
Advised by Rui Miereles (Computer Science)

Wilson Prieve ’27, Subway Board: Data Visualization
Advised by Ming-Wen An Wissmann (Mathematics and Statistics)

David Sagardi Diaz ’28, Fencing Against Cancer
Advised by Elizabeth Bradley (Political Science, STS)

Yueqi (Jane) Zhang ’29, Pawse: An AI Desk Pet for Stress & Planning
Advised by Joshua De Leeuw (Cognitive Science)

Develop Grants

For initial or one-time venture costs.

Cooper Jaffe ’29
The Emotional Empowerment Project

Landon Kissell ’26
SleepSafe Strap: An Anti-Theft Travel Security Device

Brandon Ogesi ’29
Luxe Adapt