A project that began as a struggle to find good study materials for a business class has blossomed into an Edtech startup aimed at helping students and teachers alike. Kavin Seralathan, a junior information systems major in Cohort 44, has created a software program called Puddle. Seralathan’s program uses artificial intelligence to generate practice problems based directly on teacher’s materials from their learning management systems (like Canvas). Not only that, but the software also gives feedback to teachers on what students are struggling with and allows them to fine tune their teaching.
A look at Puddle’s website and user interface.
In an interview with Seralathan, he talked about how he came up with the idea for the startup. “One of my classes was this business class right? And I wasn’t getting practice questions to prepare for the exams,” he said. “You want to get practice questions to do well on an exam. And you know, it was bad because the only thing the professor told us to do was read the textbook.” Because he couldn’t get help from his professor, he decided to create his own custom GPT to create practice questions based on the textbook. This led to him getting some of the best exam grades in the class, and many of his peers asked him how he did it.
With this initial interest from his classmates and the improvements on his own grades from using the custom GPT, he began wondering how this service could be expanded and improved. He started asking how he could create a service that would also benefit the teachers creating these courses. While there are other Edtech AI tools that can be used by students for studying, Puddle is unique in that it also gives teachers feedback on what their students are struggling with. It allows teachers to better understand their students, and as Seralathan shared “put the ‘why’ behind the grade and improve student learning through practice and deep insights.” The program analyzes what students are getting wrong and allows teachers to understand why they might be struggling in class overall. In the end, it only helps to get students practicing while also showing teachers what they can emphasize better in class.
Puddle is currently going to be implemented in multiple different private schools in the next couple of weeks. Seralathan has worked with 32 different teachers gathering feedback and insight into his program and has been using the qualitative data collected to improve Puddle. Some teachers are eager to implement the program, and there will be continued work on the program to further improve and tailor it to students and educators.
Kavin Seralathan of Cohort 44
Seralathan hopes to see Puddle continue to grow and improve over the next couple of years. He hopes that it can join the likes of Quizlet and Khan Academy as one of the biggest resources for studying with the added benefit of also actively engaging educators within the program. Puddle is meant to be a tool with practice problems and creates a better learning environment, integrating both teacher and students into its program. This way, students get practice and teachers can understand students’ grades more thoroughly. Puddle has only just begun making ripples in the sea of new Edtech advancements, and it shows no signs of slowing.
If you’re at all inspired by Kavin’s story or have an interest in educational technology, Kavin is always happy to connect. As he works to grow Puddle, he’s actively seeking a technical cofounder to continue improvement. Feel free to reach out to him at kseralat@terpmail.umd.edu to learn more or explore ways to get involved.
Have you ever tried walking or biking across campus while carrying your backpack, water bottle, headphones, gym clothes, and a cup of coffee? Well, you could use a DooHooky!
As part of our BMGT/ENED290H: Introduction to Design and Quality QUEST course last semester, my team – Patrick Hong, Roni Magidson, Gil Vadel, and I, all in Cohort 44 – teamed up to create what would become the DooHooky, a simple, compact product designed to make it easier to carry items when they’re not in use.
The team and their BMGT/ENED290H: Introduction to Design and Quality mentor, Patricia Guillen (Cohort 40), left, after the final presentation
The DooHooky initially focused on finding a secure place to put over-ear headphones but expanded as the team collected data from surveys, interviews, and focus groups. It’s strong enough to hold headphones, water bottles, and other items at once. Made of faux leather, it comes in four styles: black, brown, and both colors with Maryland flag print.
The four styles of the DooHooky being sold
Vadel mentioned that the use of each prototype made him realize how effective the DooHooky was in everyday life. “I would carry my headphones, water bottle, and even grocery bags on my DooHooky prototype, seeing the potential it could have.”
Shortly after the final presentation in May 2025, our team decided to actually sell the product and sent out a preorder form where DooHookys were sold 50% off, and customers received their product during the fall semester.
Starting a business while beginning a new semester hasn’t been easy. Hong shared, “The biggest challenge was coordinating times and action items to be completed by each team member since we each have many other commitments.” This experience taught us that strong time management and communication are essential to delivering a great customer experience.
The DooHooky’s relevance grew when the University of Maryland adopted a new interim policy requiring all riders of bikes, scooters, skateboards, unicycles, and other micromobility vehicles to wear helmets on University property. Students who used to wear headphones while riding can now hook them securely to their bags. This ensures they are complying with the University policy and keeping their items safe.
Hong said, “If you’re passionate about an idea, don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing it.” I’ve found that it doesn’t matter how important others think the idea is. What matters is your passion and the people it can help.
While our team sells mainly to students on campus, we also offer shipping for an additional charge. To get your own DooHooky, visit our Instagram @doohooky and fill out the Google Form in our bio.
From an idea in the BMGT/ENED290H: Introduction to Design and Quality course to a real product, the DooHooky shows how creativity, teamwork, and persistence can turn a classroom project into something worth selling.
Hello QUESTees! I hope your fall is off to a great start! For this month’s issue, we’re highlighting how three QUEST students went above and beyond during their summers! From creating a website for local non-profits to working on airplanes, let’s go see their stories!
As the spring sun sets on another academic year, we are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our QUEST graduates. With the semester wrapping up, QUESTees from Cohorts 39 and 40 are putting the finishing touches on their final assignments and exams, ready to flip their tassels and embark on exciting new adventures beyond graduation. From unforgettable team memories and evolving leadership abilities to impressive professional journeys, these students have left a lasting impact on the QUEST community and beyond. This month, I had the chance to sit down with some of our well-accomplished seniors to learn about their favorite QUEST memories, their post-grad plans, and how the program has shaped their college experience and future careers.
I first had the opportunity to talk with Arav Patel (Cohort 39), a Computer Science major, who fondly reminisces about his first days in QUEST. Initially drawn to the program by a flyer and encouraged by his father’s colleagues at IBM, Patel recalls being excited to step outside his typical computer science setting and collaborate with students from diverse fields like engineering and business. When asked to describe his QUEST journey in three words, Patel chose “motivating, fun, and collaborative.” He shared how QUEST brought together intelligent, driven individuals who relied on each other’s strengths. “Overcoming team challenges and forming lasting friendships with my cohort were pivotal experiences in my personal and professional growth,” he reflected. One of his favorite memories from QUEST was the Silicon Valley trip, where he had the chance to explore the city and bond with friends, including fellow senior Akash Marakath (Cohort 40), while creating unforgettable memories together.
Looking ahead, Patel plans to venture into the world of entrepreneurship by continuing to build his startup playgoldai.com and seek venture capital funding. He plans on returning to Princeton, NJ, where he will focus on growing his startup from the comfort of his hometown, all while hopefully getting in a few travel trips to new places. With the freedom that comes post-graduation, he’s eager to balance the hustle of entrepreneurship with exploring the world and embracing the flexibility that comes with this next chapter.
Patel (3rd from the left) enjoying a game of volleyball with QUEST friends.
I next had the opportunity to interview Akash Marakath (Cohort 40), a Mechanical Engineering major whose journey through QUEST has been nothing short of transformative. When asked to describe his QUEST journey in three words, Marakath chose “exhilarating, elevating, and enriching,” each word capturing the essence of his time in the program. For him, QUEST has been much more than just academic—it’s been a space for deep personal development and reflection.
For Marakath, the most important lesson QUEST imparted was “to take a deep dive into a problem before rushing into a solution.” This shift in mindset didn’t just affect his academic work—it extended into his personal life, too. “I used to be quick to react or make decisions impulsively, but now I’ve learned to pause, think carefully, and make more thoughtful choices,” he reflected. It’s a lesson he carries with him, tackling challenges with a newfound sense of clarity and confidence.
Marakath’s journey was also deeply shaped by his involvement in QUEST organizations, where he mentions finding a community despite not knowing anyone in the program beforehand. As part of the QUEST Social team, he helped organize the 2023 QUEST Formal, from designing the neon sign to crafting keychains for the first 50 attendees. His contributions earned him one of only eight Outstanding Service Awards from the QUEST Quality Guild (Faculty and Staff)—an honor given to students who go above and beyond for the program. “Creating memorable experiences for the community is something I’m truly proud of,” Marakath said, reflecting on the impact of his leadership. His efforts not only enriched the QUEST community but also sharpened skills he will carry into his career.
Looking ahead, Marakath is excited to take the next step in his journey. This summer, he’ll be interning at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a Special Programs Intern, before heading back to UMD in the fall to pursue his Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, with a focus on rotorcraft. He’s eager to continue honing his engineering skills and dive deeper into the world of aerospace, all while finding time for some road trips and a visit to Italy next year.
Marakath (fourth from left) with Quality Guild members and fellow Outstanding Service Award winners
Patel encourages future QUESTees to connect with staff early on. “At first, I saw them as just professors,” he said. “But once I got to know them, I realized they’re not just instructors—they’re mentors and friends who genuinely care about your growth.” He advises students to engage with staff like Jess, Emily, and Professor David Ashley, who provide not only academic support but also invaluable guidance and networking opportunities. “They’re people you can rely on, whether for advice on your business or just to catch up.” On the same note, Marakath believes getting involved in QUEST clubs is key to growth. “You’ll make friends and develop leadership skills you won’t get anywhere else,” he shares. Through his work with QUEST Social, he learned how to lead and collaborate, skills that have shaped his college experience. His advice: “Dive into these opportunities—they’ll help you grow in ways you never imagined.”
As we celebrate Patel, Marakath, and all of our graduating QUESTees, we look back with pride at the hard work, dedication, and growth they’ve shown throughout their time in the program. QUEST has been an incubator for brilliant minds, helping students not only excel academically but also develop critical skills that will propel them forward in their careers. We are incredibly proud of all our graduates and grateful to have had such dedicated individuals as part of our QUEST family. We look forward to the bright futures they will undoubtedly shape and are excited to see where their journeys lead them next.
If you see any familiar names below, be sure to congratulate them and keep an eye out for all the great things that will soon accomplish. Our 2025 graduates (with cohort):
Incoming! Cohorts 45 and 46 have officially arrived! After receiving over 415 applications, reviewing them all, and conducting over 150 interviews, 90 new impressive QUEST students have been selected. Earlier this month, the Quality Guild (QUEST Faculty and staff) released the names of the 90 students who will be joining our QUEST community. I had a chance to connect with three of these talented students to ask them about the application process and what they are looking forward to in the coming years.
This month, I had the pleasure of speaking with Wilhelm Smith, a junior bioengineering major (Cohort 42). Currently a researcher at the University of Maryland’s Global Medical Devices Lab, Smith is working on creating a portable low-cost laparoscopy device for use in low and middle-income countries.
Meet Ume Habiba, a senior who’s helping women break into the tech industry! She’s gained 87,000 followers on Instagram since March and has spoken at multiple tech conferences, including Google’s DevFest, Kode with Klossy’s speaker series, and php[tek]!
Ume Habiba speaking at Google’s DevFest conference in New York City last year
Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Do you love pickles? Well, come try some of Chris & Eric’s Pickles on campus! I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Moon (Cohort 42) and Hudson Grill (Cohort 42) about their new business, Chris & Eric’s Pickles.
Founders Chris Moon and Eric Bennett holding their pickle jars!
From pie-making to fall hikes to costume parties to football, fall is a season filled with good food, spooky fun, and long-lasting memories. These four QUESTees had a lot to share about their upcoming fall season plans.
On August 22nd, Cohort 43 students traveled to the Sandy Hill Camp & Retreat Center for a two-day excursion that defined and launched the beginning of their QUEST journeys. I was lucky enough to be able to accompany the fresh QUESTees as one of their mentors this semester.
