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2026 Quasar Awards Night Celebrates Innovation, Research, and Academic Excellence

Ashesi University celebrated academic excellence and innovation at the third annual Quasar Awards Night on May 14, recognizing the Class of 2026 and the Graduate Class of 2025’s most exceptional senior research projects and capstone initiatives. The evening brought together faculty, staff, students, and families to honor outstanding individual and team projects that reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The nominations covered research, applied projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and technical innovations across the Business Administration, Computer Science and Information Systems, Economics, Engineering, and Mechatronics programs.

In its third year, the Quasar Awards Night continues to represent an initiative by the Office of the Provost to cultivate a strong culture of academic excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary problem-solving within the student body. This year’s event was generously supported by an anonymous donor.

Capstone and Academic Awards for Business Administration

ReBagged by Onaé, Best Entrepreneurship Capstone, Lois Oforiwa Yakah, Adelaide Nunekpeku, Gabrielle Asiamah, Papa Kweku Kwofie, Shemuel Mwinu Dery, and Klenam Ameku
ReBagged by Onaé explores sustainable alternatives through reusable bag solutions designed to reduce waste and encourage environmentally conscious consumer habits. The project combines entrepreneurship, sustainability, and design innovation to promote practical everyday alternatives to single-use packaging.

The Effects of Marketing Content, Online Engagement, and Platform Usage on Generation Z’s Digital Purchase Decisions: The Moderating Role of Tech Savviness, Best Thesis Capstone, Mabel Esinam Honu

This study examines how marketing content, online engagement, and platform usage influence Generation Z’s digital purchasing decisions. By exploring the moderating role of technological savviness, the research provides insights into evolving consumer behavior within digital environments.

Reusable Bags, Best Applied Project Capstone, Nana Afia Pokua Ofori-Asante, Ewuradwoa Akyereh Ayesu, and Elorm Peggy Ameyibor

This applied project focused on creating reusable bag solutions that promote sustainability and responsible consumption. The project highlights practical approaches to reducing environmental waste while encouraging long-term behavioral change among consumers.

Capstone and Academic Awards for Computer Science & Information Systems

Intelligent Fermentation and Sorting System for Small-Holder Cocoa Farmers, Outstanding Capstone Project, Stanley Ndlovu and Diana Murungu 

This project explored intelligent technologies for improving cocoa fermentation and sorting processes for small-holder cocoa farmers. The system supports quality control, operational efficiency, and agricultural productivity through automation and smart monitoring systems.

Building A Collaborative SVG Editor with AI-Powered Line Art Generation, Outstanding Capstone Project, Claude Quartey and Ruvarashe Sadya

This project developed a collaborative SVG editor enhanced with AI-powered line art generation capabilities. The platform enables users to create and edit scalable vector graphics collaboratively while using AI tools to support creativity and design efficiency.

DuoSign: A Gloss-Based Approach to Automated ASL Generation, Outstanding Capstone Project, Nana Kwaku Amoako

This capstone explored automated American Sign Language generation using a gloss-based approach. The project contributes to accessibility and inclusive communication by leveraging intelligent language technologies to support sign language generation.

Capstone and Academic Awards for Economics

The Heterogeneous Effects of Foreign Health Aid on Health-related Human Capital Outcomes in SSA, Best Thesis Capstone, Nicole Uzile Sibanda

This research examined how foreign health aid influences health-related human capital outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the varying effects of aid interventions on healthcare development and broader human capital outcomes within the region.

Capstone and Academic Awards for Engineering

The Design and Fabrication of an In-Pipe Cleaning Robot for Multi-Unit Residential Wastewater Pipes, Technical Excellence Award in Mechanical Engineering, Thembani Ngwenya

This project focused on designing and fabricating an in-pipe robotic cleaning system for wastewater pipes in multi-unit residential buildings. The solution provides an innovative approach to improving sanitation maintenance and operational efficiency.

FPGA vs GPU Acceleration of Machine Learning: A Comparative Study, Technical Excellence Award in Computer Engineering, Zabdiel Yidjiemo Addo

This study compared FPGA and GPU technologies for accelerating machine learning applications. The research evaluated performance, efficiency, and scalability to determine their suitability for different computational and engineering applications.

The Design of General-Purpose 6-Axis Robotic Arm Platform for Teaching and Research in Robotics and Control, Technical Excellence Award in Mechatronics Engineering, Trueman Hama Mabumbo

This project involved the development of a six-axis robotic arm platform designed to support teaching, experimentation, and research in robotics and control systems. The platform provides a flexible environment for practical robotics education and innovation.

IoT-Integrated Bio-reactor for Efficient Bacterial Cultivation, Technical Excellence Award in Electrical Engineering, Jacqueline Nana Beya Ackah-Nyamike

This project explored the integration of IoT technologies into bacterial cultivation systems to improve monitoring, efficiency, and process optimization in bio-reactor environments.

Knowledge Based System for Guiding Carbon Fiber Part and Mold Design, Innovative Engineering Excellence in Mechanical Engineering, Ines Twishime

This project developed a knowledge-based system to guide carbon fiber component and mold design processes. The system improves design efficiency and supports decision-making in advanced manufacturing applications.

Adaptive FPGA-based Compression Accelerator for Electrocardiogram Signals, Innovative Engineering Excellence in Computer Engineering, Nana Akua Emefa Elinam Senanu

This project proposed an adaptive FPGA-based compression accelerator for electrocardiogram signals, enabling efficient storage and transmission of medical data while maintaining signal quality and system performance.

Geyser for Domestic Hot Water Applications, Innovative Engineering Excellence in Electrical Engineering, Obadiah Safi

This project explored innovative solutions for domestic hot water applications through the design and optimization of a geyser system aimed at improving energy efficiency and accessibility.

Airflow and Improving Fuel Economy in Long-Haul Vehicles, Best Team Engineering Capstone Project, Nana Yaw Kyeremeh Osei-Safo and Eric Mensah

This team project investigated airflow optimization techniques for improving fuel efficiency in long-haul vehicles. The project contributes to sustainable transportation by exploring methods for reducing fuel consumption and improving vehicle performance.

Capstone and Academic Awards for Mechatronics

A Direct Data-Driven and Adaptive Control for an Autonomous Race Car, Best Graduate Mechatronics Thesis, Emmanuel Korankye Otibu Darko

This research explored adaptive and data-driven control systems for autonomous race cars, contributing to advancements in intelligent mobility and autonomous vehicle technologies.

Energy Autonomous LoRa Soil Moisture Sensor Node with Adaptive Sampling, Best Graduate Mechatronics Thesis, Mercy Mawia Kitheka

This research developed an energy-autonomous soil moisture sensor node using LoRa technology and adaptive sampling.

Valedictorian: Austine Lotanna Iheji

 

Austine Lotanna Iheji is a Computer Science student from Nigeria whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and technology for social impact. For his capstone project, he developed a multimodal computer vision system that integrates facial features into sign language recognition to improve accuracy and reduce ambiguity.

He is the founder of HealingCells, a platform being developed to support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals through shared experiences, trusted resources, and community support. Austine has also worked with international organizations such as Profibook, contributing to projects in software engineering, AI-powered automation, and intelligent data systems.

Beyond his technical work, Austine has actively contributed to mentorship and student support as a CCAPS Peer Coach and Peer Academic Advisor, helping students navigate academic and personal challenges. He hopes to continue building technology that is both practical and genuinely useful to the people it serves.

The 2026 Quasar Awards Night once again showcased the creativity, innovation, and research excellence of Ashesi students. From sustainability and healthcare to artificial intelligence, robotics, economics, and engineering, the award-winning projects demonstrated the university’s commitment to developing ethical leaders and problem-solvers prepared to create meaningful impact across Africa and beyond.

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Activity Calendar

Featured Event: December 3, 2025

Christmas on the Hill
A festive end-of-year celebration featuring activities, music, and community bonding. This event brings together students, faculty, and staff to share in the holiday spirit before the break.