Lydia Credle
Major: Public Health and Public Policy
Sponsor: Nim Batchelor, Maker Mentor
Lydia is working on a custom, low-cost ring splints to help those with joint problems like arthritis and hypermobility. These splints, which need to be stiff and perfectly fitted, can alleviate pain and improve daily activities for affected individuals.
Gillian Coleman
Major: Sociology, Spanish
Sponsor: Tiffaney Coleman, Program Assistant, Audience Services
Gillian is working on a cost-effective method for creating custom stamps through eraser carving. This approach offers a budget-friendly solution for hobbyists, artists, and educators to produce personalized stamp art.
Josh Trubinsky and Ashton Franiak
Major: Engineering
Sponsor: Kyle Altmann, Associate Professor of Physics
Josh and Ashton are exploring an affordable, modular model rocket designed with a self-landing capability. It will incorporate off-the-shelf hardware, 3D-printed parts, and a parachute system that deploys automatically for added safety.
Helena Hanzal Childress
Major: Undecided
Sponsor: Binnan Gao, Lecturer in Chinese in the Department of World Languages and Cultures
Helena’s project is a personal exploration of bookbinding, combining her passion for art, design, and storytelling. She aims to create a bound sketchbook and a custom, hand-bound edition of a friend’s story, experimenting with various binding techniques and materials to bring her artistic vision to life.
Nik Heiser
Major: Music Production & Recording Arts
Sponsor: Jeremy Hohertz, Lecturer in Physics
Nik is building a custom subwoofer and three-way speaker system, specifically tuned for electronic dance music (EDM) and capable of high-volume output. This sound system will enhance his work as a front-of-house engineer and support his career in live sound while also allowing him to enjoy high-quality EDM audio.
Remy Beckman
Major: Accounting
Sponsor: Michael Fels, Professor of Art
Remy is creating screen-printed t-shirts with unique designs, offering a creative way to upcycle clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills. This initiative provides a means of self-expression that stands apart from fast-fashion alternatives.
Hannah Plotkin and Lila Hoffman-Byer
Majors: Strategic Communications and Communication Design | Strategic Communications
Sponsor: Maggie Mullikin, Manager of Graduate and Global Programs
Hannah and Lila are exploring how to turn a hair tie into a stylish bracelet, combining practicality with fashion. Their goal is to offer a convenient and discreet way for women to carry hair ties while feeling confident and organized in their daily lives.
Maggie Dion
Major: Engineering
Sponsor: Kyle Altmann, Associate Professor of Physics
Maggie is creating a nightstand inspired by the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are,” using Maker Hub wood scraps to carve vines and branches that evoke a magical forest. This piece is designed to transport people back to their childhood, sparking their imagination and sense of wonder.
Alex Strassberg
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Sponsor: Rick Earl, Production Manager for Cultural and Special Programs
Alex is creating a customizable LED light fixture that can change colors, fade, and move. This project aims to make advanced lighting effects more accessible for smaller productions while also allowing Alex to explore new lighting techniques and expand his design skills for a future as a lighting designer.
Carina Kaplan
Major: Strategic Communications
Sponsor: Amber Moser, Director of Internships, School of Communications
Carina’s project aims to advance her Froggy Stickers, a passion project since freshman year, by creating more diverse designs, improving ease of application, and using more durable materials. She plans to prepare the stickers for professional sale, continuing to spread the joy of frogs.
Saachi Kamath
Major: International Business and Economics
Saachi is working on creating flowers from paper, offering a sustainable and long-lasting alternative to traditional cut flowers. She is exploring ways to help others learn how to craft their own beautiful, eco-friendly bouquets for any occasion.
Rose Fyffe
Majors: Human Service Studies, German Studies
Sponsor: Kate Campbell, Graduate Apprentice for the Gender & LGBTQIA Center
Rose’s project involves piloting a small crochet business to raise awareness around queer and trans rights, with proceeds supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations in North Carolina. By combining her love for crocheting with advocacy, Rose aims to create queer joy for herself and others while educating Elon students on ethical activism and policies affecting queer communities.
Gabriel Nagy
Major: Engineering
Sponsor: Bethany Brinkman, Associate Professor of Engineering
Gabriel is exploring ways for students with mobility disabilities to stay dry in the rain. Motivated by his work on an accessibility audit and personal connections with those who would benefit, Gabriel tries making campus navigation easier and more comfortable for his friends.
Hailey Ross
Major: Business Analytics
Sponsor: Elizabeth von Briesen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Hailey is exploring pearl jewelry that reflects her passion for jewelry and commitment to the community. She envisions expanding this idea to partner with women and girls facing financial struggles, providing them with quality jewelry gifts for special occasions without the financial burden.
