Skip To Top Navigation Skip To Content Skip To Footer

Smart CIS Club (CRIC)

students
Cognitive and Robotics IoT Consortium (CRIC)

About   Events   Competitions & Wins   Get Involved   Project Gallery   Meet the Team   News 

We are a student-led organization focused on empowering students with hands-on experience, technical growth, and strong networks in tech fields such as cybersecurity, machine learning, cloud computing, and digital forensics. 

Mission & visionlogo

CRIC Club aims to stimulate and challenge students in the field of technology, building an interconnected group of tech enthusiasts prepared for the workforce. 

We strive to: 

  • Cultivate technical knowledge 
  • Encourage innovation 
  • Foster collaboration 
  • Promote leadership and career readiness


Who We Are

We are MSSU students passionate about solving real-world problems through technology. Whether you’re new to programming or an advanced developer, this club offers you the opportunity to learn, grow, and innovate together. 

Membership Benefits

  • Master Advanced Technologies – Engage with the latest not only in robotics, AI, and IoT but develop your technical skills. 
  • Advance Your Career Path – Gain practical experience and insights that can propel your career in tech. 
  • Expand Your Connections – Network with industry experts, professionals, and fellow tech enthusiasts. 
  • Tackle Innovative Challenges – Participate in exciting projects and competitions that push technological boundaries. 
  • Contribute Locally – Engage in tech initiatives that positively impact your community and campus. 
  • Learn and Have Fun – Enjoy being part of a vibrant, supportive community that blends learning with fun activities. 

Events

Competitions & Wins

  • ACM HogHacks 2025 
    MSSU CRIC team placed in Top 10 at UofA hackathon 
    Team: Alan, Jordan, Joseph, Edward, Paul 
    LinkedIn Post 
  • MSSU Research Symposium 2025 
    1st Place – AI Assistive Device 
    Jermaine Loum & Nakia Crumbo 
    Project Recap 

Annual Hackathon: LionHog Tech 

Each year, CRIC co-hosts LionHog Tech, a 24-hour hackathon in collaboration with the University of Arkansas. Students from Missouri and Arkansas come together to compete, collaborate, and innovate on fast-paced, real-world challenges. The event encourages creative thinking, teamwork, and hands-on application of classroom knowledge. With workshops, mentorship, and prizes, LionHog Tech provides an exciting environment for students to build, learn, and connect with peers and professionals across state lines. 

  • Upcoming: October 17–18, 2025  

Event Page

students

Ready to Get Involved?

CRIC is open to all MSSU students interested in technology, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. 

How to Join

Join our Discord: Click here to join 
Register Here: Microsoft Form

All majors are welcome. CRIC events and activities are free for MSSU students.


1ST PLACE AT MSSU RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 

AI ASSISTIVE DEVICE

By: Jermaine Loum & Nakia Crumbo 
Summary: An AI-powered wearable designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. Using real-time object detection and audio feedback, the device helps users navigate indoor environments independently. 
Project Poster

students
Top 10 Projects

ACM Hoghacks

By: MSSU CRIC Team (Alan, Jordan, Joseph, Edward, Paul) 
Project: 
A navigation application based on the Yin and Yang theme provided at the competition. 
Outcome: 
Placed in the Top 10 out of 150 participants from across Missouri and Arkansas. 

Speaker Notes / Recordings 

Links and slides from guest lectures are available to club members.

students

Meet the Team

Club Announcements
  • Weekly Meetings Ongoing 
    • Thursdays @ 12:30 PM – CIS Department, Plaster Hall 
  • LionHog Tech 2025 Announced 
    • October 17–18, 2025 
    • Hybrid hackathon – Details coming soon! 
Newsletter Archive (Coming Soon)
  • Monthly recaps 
  • Event calendars 
  • Member features 

Register for updates: Sign-Up Form