Nicholas is the grand prize winner of the 2008 Akitas to Zebras Animal Challenge, sponsored by the Weather Channel. His winning idea Clean and Safe Pet Dish is a combination of dog or cat food and water bowl. The bowls have covers that open and close whenever they sense the sensor in the dog or cat’s collar, and stay open as long as the pet is there.

Nicholas says, "My idea, the Clean and Safe Pet Dish is for households with multiple pets, and for those who leave food for their pets outside the house. Different bowls and collars will prevent the cat from eating the dog food or vice versa. You can also leave pet food outside without worrying about rats, bugs or other animals that could contaminate your pets’ food."