2008 Projects

Professor Mike Elmes began the Nantucket Project Center in 2008 and served as center director until 2010.  In 2008, Professor Elmes advised four projects on the island to gauge the desirability and feasibility of running a project center on the island.  One team explored options for the development of wind power on the island for the Nantucket Energy Study Committee.  Another team collaborated with the Nantucket Historical Association to develop a prototype wayfinding and interpretive system for personal cell phones.  A third team examined ways to enhance the exhibits at the Maria Mitchell Association and the fourth team identified innovative approaches to land use for Nantucket Housing.  Based on feedback from students, sponsors, and others associated with the program, WPI decided to make the Nantucket Project Center a permanent fixture on the academic calendar.

We would like to thank all our project sponsors for making these collaborative research opportunities available to our students.  We thank Harvey Young of Young’s Bicycle Shop for generously providing students with bicycles for the duration of their stay.  We would also like to thank Janet Schulte and her staff at the Maria Mitchell Association for providing student accommodation.