The Academic Challenge, also known as the Case Competition, is a highlight of the IANA Intermodal EXPO each year, and the 2025 iteration was no different. On this edition of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast from on-site in Long Beach, California, we welcome this year's winners, the team from Mississippi State University made up of Sophie Perrigin, Emma Lovely-Gonzalez, Brad Sills and Elijah Davis along with their advisor, Dr. Chris Boone - MSU Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management.
We go over what the 12-school competition involved, how the group prepared - especially as a first-time participant, what the students learned from their participation not only in the challenge, but also from their overall visit to EXPO, and their future plans.
Plus, InTek Logistics President Shelli Austin shares her perspective as one of the judges of the competition and her optimism for the long-term health of intermodal based on the students' talent.
And Dr. Boone discusses Mississippi State's program, which values experiential learning to prepare students for careers in the industry - Starkville's cowbells get an honorable mention as well.
For more about EXPO and IANA, visit www.intermodal.org/intermodalexpo. To learn about MSU's College of Business, which includes supply chain programs, visit www.business.msstate.edu.
As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.
