Dr. Jing Betty Feng has once again demonstrated her exceptional mentorship and leadership by guiding Farmingdale State College students to a major national achievement. This spring, under her expert guidance, Team ELTUH from the School of Engineering earned a prestigious spot among the top 25 finalists at e-Fest® 2025, the nation’s premier undergraduate entrepreneurship competition hosted by the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas. 

Selected from nearly 200 submissions nationwide, Team ELTUH, made up of Gustavo Velasquezfernandez, Asad Khaz, and Travell White, spent three intense days participating in workshops, networking with industry leaders, and competing for a share of $220,000 in prize money. Their innovative fire prevention technology venture impressed judges with its creativity, purpose, and potential societal impact. 

This success story began on Farmingdale’s campus where Dr. Feng organized the PSEG-LI Innovation Challenge in November 2024. This interdisciplinary entrepreneurship event provided the essential platform for students to develop and pitch real-world solutions, serving as the critical launchpad for Team ELTUH’s future accomplishments. 

Beyond the Innovation Challenge, Dr. Feng’s continued mentorship enabled Team ELTUH to represent Farmingdale at the globally recognized Hult Prize Nationals Summit in Boston this March. These high-profile experiences allowed the team to sharpen their venture, boost their confidence, and immerse themselves in entrepreneurial ecosystems vital for success. 
Recognizing her profound impact, the Schulze School praised Dr. Feng, stating, “Mentors like Dr. Feng are essential to what makes e-Fest so special. Her investment in students, the extra hours, the thoughtful mentorship, and the willingness to champion new ideas makes all the difference.” 

Thanks to Dr. Feng’s unwavering support, Team ELTUH secured full travel sponsorship to e-Fest®, earned $1,000 in the Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge, and won an additional $625 in the Innovation Challenge. These funds will fuel the next phase of their venture’s growth. 

Dr. Feng’s leadership exemplifies the School of Business’s dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning. Her mentorship not only empowers students across disciplines to embrace entrepreneurial thinking but also highlights the vital role faculty play in fostering innovation and leadership on campus. 

Farmingdale State College congratulates Dr. Feng on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to many more student successes under her guidance. Stay tuned for upcoming School of Business colloquia featuring more inspiring research and mentorship stories.