Students are inspired to invent

Speakers (l to r): Eric Ward and Kristina Gabuardy (Linda Hall Library); Mike Farmer (Center for Advanced Professional Studies)

Today, STA sophomores gathered in the M&A Auditorium to hear from Mike Farmer, instructor at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), a program that encourages students to identify a societal need, develop a working prototype to address the need, and present a plan to execute on a potential business.  Two co-presenters joined him from The Linda Hall Library: Eric Ward, Vice President of Programming, and Kristina Gabuardy, CoordinatSor of Public Programs, to explain how students can participate in this exciting project-based learning opportunity.

CAPS and Farmer work with the Kansas City Invention Convention (KCIC) at the Linda Hall Library to encourage students to compete at the local and international levels. Previously, Kelly Ann Greene, a 2021 graduate of STA, received the Market Potential Award in the Global Impact Awards category with her invention “Baby Saver” at the 2021 Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition. Her creation prevents infant heatstroke through a proximity sensor that detects temperature, blood oxygen levels, and the infant’s pulse. The device also sends a text message that includes the parent’s GPS location and alerts emergency responders if the infant is in danger. A news story, which reported on a baby who died after being left in a hot car, inspired Kelly Ann’s invention.

Farmer has offered to mentor STA students who are interested in learning more about creating and submitting their own invention at this year’s Invention Convention. He has founded four new ventures, authored 10 patents and raised more than $12 million in early-stage capital. Mike’s work as an entrepreneur has been featured in the New York Times, on CNN’s Anderson Cooper and in Forbes Magazine.

Mike is the father of STA student Eva (’25) and recent graduate Abby (’21). He received a master’s degree from the Lally School of Management & Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with concentrations in High-Growth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategy.