Students recognized for excellence in graphics and research at national flexographic printing challenge

Students at Rochester Institute of Technology took top placements at the Flexographic Technical Association Flexo Forum in Kansas City this Spring. Their project, Aş Evi, was part of the Phoenix Challenge, an annual student design competition, and was recognized for Excellence in Research, Excellence in Graphics, and Excellence in Execution categories.

One of the key aspects of the program was to mesh the art, design and functionality of the distinct disciplines of print and packaging.  RIT’s students combined all of them successfully, said Bilge Nazli Altay, assistant professor in RIT’s Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science (PGMS) and team mentor.

“In the face of intense competition from six schools nationwide, their achievements were remarkable, as they received not one, not two, but three prestigious awards. The team walked away with marking a triumphant culmination of their hard work and dedication,” said Altay.

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation College competition is rigorous and focuses on flexography and printed packaging. It demands innovation, creativity, and practical solutions for a specific project that tests how the students apply coursework in a real-world scenario, in this case, the development of print and packaging solutions for local food establishment, Aş Evi Restaurant and Bakery.

Student teams must do extensive research on the client, from background on the company and its brand strategy, to its extensive market demographics and competition. The company, Aş Evi, looked to the student team to help as it expanded its take-out and eat-in business by enhancing its take out packaging. This included using sustainable materials, designing packaging that was versatile and user-friendly.

Students involved were Kanishka Sahu (Print and Graphic Media Science), Diya Das (Industrial Design), Danyal Sheikh (Print and Graphic Media Technology), and Bennet Stutzman (Packaging Science). They were mentored by Altay and advisor Malcolm Keif, professor of practice in the Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science.

“The Phoenix challenge was something I don't think any of us were prepared to deal with when first applying,” said Bennet Stutzman, a third-year packaging science student. “The team worked amazingly together despite the challenges faced, and I am so proud of the team for spending the time and effort needed to beat the competition. This experience will stay with me forever and I hope to be able to participate again.” 

Diya Das, third-year industrial design student agreed: “The Phoenix Challenge Competition was a great opportunity to collaborate with students in other disciplines and colleges at RIT and allowed me to learn firsthand what designing and producing a product for a customer truly entails. Over the course of this project, I have learned so much about the printing and packaging industries through my peers, professors, and industry consults we've had the privilege of speaking to, and I can't wait to continue this learning experience in next year's competition.”

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As part of the challenge, student projects are assessed by industry professionals who look for how coursework and theory are applied as well as how the designs benefit the client in the areas of branding as well as sustainability. RIT teams benefited from industry partners such as Adflex Corporation, Avery Dennison, Compass Color & Coatings, International Paper, and Kocher+Beck, that provided expertise and resources to ensure the team’s product would meet industry standards.

“What makes this achievement truly remarkable is the rigorous evaluation conducted by industry professionals serving as judges. These students weren't assessed only on academics; they faced scrutiny from seasoned experts, answering questions and defending their ideas with confidence and poise,” said Altay, who is an expert in printing systems, inks, and coatings for flexographic printing.  “The future looks bright with talents like Kanishka, Diya, Danyal, and Bennet leading the way, making waves, and leaving their mark on the world of flexographic printing.”

RIT's Phoenix Challenge team serves as an example of the university's commitment to practical, industry-relevant education. Students on the Aş Evi project immersed themselves in a project that was as much about design and development as it was about building a relationship with a client. Their journey from concept to execution exemplifies the power of teamwork, mentorship, perseverance, and passion in overcoming challenges and achieving excellence. In celebrating their victories, we also celebrate the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance that defines RIT's academic community.

“Reflecting on my experience with the Phoenix Challenge, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. Leading RIT's team alongside Bennet Stutzman, Danyal Sheikh, and Diya Das was an honor in itself,” said Kanishka Das, a second-year graduate student in the print and graphic media science program. “Despite the challenges of balancing coursework and assignments, our team poured our hearts into the competition. I am immensely thankful for this incredible opportunity. Professor Bilge Nazli Altay's guidance was invaluable throughout the journey, and I'm deeply appreciative of everyone who believed in our team's potential. Team RIT truly exemplifies the ethos of doing graphics right.”

Danyal Sheikh, ’24 (media arts and technology) agreed: “I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the Phoenix Challenge. The entire experience was invaluable. I learned a tremendous amount from both the competition itself and from the many inspiring people I met along the way. Winning three category awards was a huge honor, and it truly served as a springboard for launching my career in the printing industry.”