(FY2) New Generation of Thinkers and Leaders

Author: Cesar Guillen

Advisors: Universidad de Los Andes Professors and La La Salle Merida

Abstract:

An educational application for high school students in Latin America focused on the preparation for higher education and professional development. Providing the guidance and also the establishment of community projects led by Professors and the guidance to overcome the crisis in Latinoamerican countries.

“A place for the development of masters,
a place for the new leaders;
For those willing to learn,
for those committed to transcending.

The community of leaders and makers of today”

(GR1) Rideshare Demissions

Authors: Varun Bhat, Mikel Matticoli, Max Chen, Shano Liang

Advisors: N/A

Category: Graduate

Abstract:

This is a model for a centralized hub to accumulate student transportation emissions data. The goal is to inform the populace of the carbon footprint that their transportation choices leave, while providing other greener alternatives to choose from.

UN SDGs:

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(UG10) High Energy Density Magnesium-Air Battery for Shipping, Rail and Aviation Electrification and Grid Storage

Author(s): Kurt Lindenthal, Tyler Riggs, Edward Miller, Jaqueline Simon Villacis

Advisor(s): Adam Powell

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Magnesium is a very common and highly reactive metal that is primarily found in our oceans, and in metal scrap. Magnesium is commonly used to produce metal alloys, but its reactivity makes it useful for power generation. This project focuses on the development of a magnesium-air fuel cell for use in grid storage and cargo ship engines. Magnesium has more energy density, but less output, than lithium, so it can be used for long-term power. The project focuses on studying the corrosion of the battery cathode and surrounding insulation under standard operating conditions. These conditions included an operating temperature of 550 Celcius and with molten salt as a working fluid. Several types of materials were tested, and each material was studied under a microscope for physical damage and corrosion. The project also includes an FMEA analysis of the proposed pilot battery.

UN SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Video Presentation:

(UG09) Updating an Automated Scale for the Study of Dates

Author(s): Matthew Adam, Ryan Antes, Eli Hoffberg, Connor Gaudette

Advisor(s): Isa Bar-On, Erin Solovey, Tess Meier

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Southern Arava Research and Development studies agricultural practices on Medjool dates to support local farmers and protect the industry from water shortages and plant diseases. At Southern Arava Research and Development, the previously used data collection processes consumed much of the researchers’ time, so in order to help researchers use their time more efficiently, the project team retrofit an existing machine so the machine could automate both the classification of dates based on weight and maturity and the exporting of classification data on individual dates to Excel sheets. The workings of the machine that were learned or added during this project were documented in a manual to allow researchers to use the machine for years to come.

UN SDGs: SDG 2- Zero Hunger, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15 – Life on Land

Video Presentation:

(UG08) Universal Education Initiative

Author(s): Cesar Guillen and Giampaolo Maneri

Advisor(s): Rosanna Garcia

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract:

Universal Education Initiative (UEI), is a student-run nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through project-based education.

We are currently working on implementing STEAM programs in local and international global communities, particularly those in the most need. Our organization aims to increase access to quality education at all levels, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET). We believe that education is key to addressing poverty and inequality and hope to create a brighter future for vulnerable communities.

UN SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Video Presentation:

(UG03) From Cafeteria to Compost: Sustainable Food Waste Management at WPI

Author(s): Gabriel Espinosa, Abigail Holmes, Hildey McCorkell, Jackson Nguyen

Advisor(s): Paul Mathisen and Nicole Luiz

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: The WPI Green Team is spearheading efforts to reduce food waste in campus dining halls as well as throughout WPI Greek Life. The team’s Project Zero Waste Initiative promotes sustainable practices by encouraging students to be conscious of their food waste. The Green Team is additionally partnering with WPI Greek Life to implement vermicomposting at each Greek Life house, showcasing not only their commitment to sustainability but to inspiring other campus organizations to join the cause.

UN SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 -Climate Action

Video Presentation:

(UG02) Discovery Creek Project

Author(s): Shannon Henderson

Advisor(s): Elisabeth Stoddard

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Research shows exposure to nature improves children’s health and capacity for learning, including early exposure to STEAM concepts. This project addresses erosion problems at a local farm, while creating novel learning opportunities for at-risk children ages 3-6. We conducted interviews with education and landscape professionals, performed land measurements, and designed and built a 100-foot-long dry creek bed and extensive mud kitchen. We created STEAM learning activities through child exploration in the creek and through play in the mud kitchen.

UN SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Video Presentation:

(GR04) Engineered Biological Construction Material: Self-healing Carbon Negative Enzymatic Construction Materials

Authors: Shuai Wang

Advisors: Nima Rahbar

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Concrete is one of the main contributors to global CO2 emission, and efforts to find an alternative to concrete have not been fully successful. Inspired by the process of CO2 exchange in biological cells, we introduced a novel method to create a CO2 negative-emission enzymatic construction material (ECM) with self-healing capabilities. The proposed concept uses carbonic anhydrase (CA) to catalyze the condensation of CO2 and water to promote the precipitation of calcium ions in the aqueous solution as calcium carbonate crystals. The resulting ECM has compressive strength and Young’s modulus more than twice that of the minimum acceptable for cement mortar and other alternative building materials.

UN SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 – Climate Action

 

Video Presentation:

Link: https://echo360.org/media/89ccd10f-8ba7-4590-a491-f165ede07829/public

 

(FY03) Recycled Orchestra: Bottle Marimba

Authors: John Denney, Brian Gomez, Annarose Avery, Ryan Addeche, Emre Sunar

Advisors: Jack Yebba, Svetlana Nikitina

Category: First Year

Abstract: Tons of trash are poured into a village that lives on a landfill in Cateura, Paraguay, and the community has risen up and created Orchestra H20 for kids that make and play instruments out of the trash. We sought out to create an instrument made from commonly found waste in Cateura and produce a reconstruction guide for Orchestra H20 so they can use the instrument in their ensembles. We hope to inspire others to repurpose used materials for social, educational, and environmental benefits.

UN SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1H5leARGTJY