The Start of the USSEO
The United States Science Engineering Olympiad (USSEO) was founded by Luminas inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in partnership with NYU Tandon.
Science, engineering, and robotics are woven into the foundation of modern society. It shapes how we build, innovate, and solve the problems that define our world. Yet despite its importance, engineering education remains unevenly accessible and often limited in scope for many students.
USSEO was founded to change that.
Our goal is to showcase the creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary skills that engineering demands, while giving students a national platform to explore robotics, AI, and real-world innovation. Through hands-on challenges and performance-based assessments, USSEO empowers students to think like engineers, build like innovators, and lead like problem-solvers.
USSEO's Academic Board and Academic Assistants work together to ensure the competition's fairness, rigor, and academic integrity. The board sets the standards, and the assistants help implement them through grading and review.
Academic Board
The United States Student Engineering Olympiad (USSEO) is led by an academic board made up of university professors and engineering experts. The board is headed by Prof. Ludovic Righetti, jointly appointed in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NYU Tandon. He also holds an International Chair at the Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute and co-directs the Center for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence. Prof. Righetti is additionally affiliated with the Center for Responsible AI, the Center for Urban Science and Progress, and the Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications.
Academic Assistants
The Academic Assistants are made up of dedicated NYU alumni, teaching assistants, professors, and current students who support the Olympiad in meaningful ways. These contributors assist with grading submissions, developing challenge materials, refining scoring rubrics, and providing operational support throughout the competition. Their combined expertise and commitment help ensure that USSEO maintains high academic standards and delivers a fair, engaging, and educational experience for all participants.
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If you are interested in collaborating or wish to contribute to the experience, please reach out to explore ways to get involved
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