Bridges

One Science Olympiad event I’m in is Bridge. I spent a lot of time perfecting these bridges. The purpose of this event is to build the lightest wooden bridge that can still hold the whole weight of 15,000g. I used a combination of balsa (compression members) and basswood (tension members)

By testing out different designs, making tension members very thin, only having bracing in the more critical spots, and finding the optimal density for each wood piece, I was able to make a 9.6g bridge that held 15,000g. In terms of weight, that would be around 2 pieces of paper holding up two bicycles. (And, big shout out to my teammates who always help me test my bridges!)

SoloStep

In collaboration with MIT, The Lemelson Foundation sponsors Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams™, where high school students, educators, and mentors come together to tackle real-world challenges with grants of up to $7,500.

Our EMUiNVENT InvenTeam was 1 of 8 teams nationwide selected to receive this grant, allowing us to develop a tech-driven invention that addresses local issues. The problem we picked was mobility issues. With the U.S. elderly population expected to double to 95 million by 2060, seniors are increasingly facing challenges in maintaining mobility and independence, leading to a range of health risks and psychological impacts. Many older adults rely on others for basic movement and positional changes, which reduces physical activity and results in medical consequences, such as heart disease, obesity, and elevated blood pressure, as well as increased caregiver costs and mental health effects like depression and loneliness.

We created a mini, fully-functioning prototype and worked with an outside fabricator (Mr. Chris Trager) to help us assemble a limited-functioning, full scale prototype.

HoloGlitterPacks

I created an Etsy Shop in 8th grade, offering customizable glitter bundles to reduce waste from premade sets. I make my own ratios in glitter mixes, and have had my fair share of being part of funny experiences. I enjoy seeing all the things my customers create, whether that's making slime, nail art, or glitter bombing an ex.

Running an Etsy Shop under a pseudonym has been a real-life business boot camp for me. Every interaction (with customers and suppliers) has taught me something new. And customer service? Let’s just say it's made me tougher and quicker on my feet than I ever imagined.

Music for Seniors & Tech Town Hall

I co-founded Music for Seniors, which is a group that performs at retirement homes (StoryPoint and University Living) twice a month during the school year and weekly in the summer.

When interviewing seniors about their mobility issues in the EMUiNVENT InvenTeam, we learned that they would appreciate some help with technology. This is why I also co-founded Tech Town Hall at the Saline Senior Center. We meet every month to help seniors with tech-related inquiries and to help them set up things.

Music Boxes!

One of my favorite hobbies is assembling these music boxes. When I get tired, I jam out to some pop songs and start building. I also love 3D puzzles and right now I’m working on a train.

Arts and Music