Piezoelectric Crystal Tree
Renewable Energy Research
I designed and tested a sustainable, small-scale prototype which utilized piezoelectric crystals to harvest energy from water. I constructed the apparatus using shop tools and a 3D printer. My main goal was to improve efficiency and optimize the design of the device. I worked on this project with the assistance of Dr. Sunny Jung of Virginia Tech. See my awards, presentations, and publication below.
Publication
I was featured in Popular Mechanics' Next-Generation Breakthrough Awards in November of 2015 as a "young innovator who is already making a difference."
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Presentation
I was invited to present my research at Walton Sustainability Solutions Festival at Arizona State University. The video below shows my pitch at GreenBiz 2016 (starts at 4:55). I also spoke at a private event with the Walton Family at Taliesin West.
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Awards
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
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3rd Grand Award in Energy: Physical (2015)
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Carnegie Mellon University Leonard Gelfand Center Energy Innovation Award, Second Award (2015)
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US Agency for International Development (USAID) Global Development Innovation Award, Honorable Mention (2015)
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ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Award
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National Winner (2016)
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Stockholm Junior Water Prize
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Virginia Winner and National participant (2015)
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Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair
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3rd Place in Energy and Transportation (2015)
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1st Place Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical (2014)
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Virginia Junior Academy of Science Symposium
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VEE F. and S. Lewis Environmental Scholarship for best environmental science project
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2nd Place in Engineering (2015)
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William W. Berry Engineering Special Award for Best Engineering Project (2014)
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1st Place in Engineering (2014)
Virginia Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
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Outstanding Research in Engineering Award (2014)