Spirit of Invention is Alive and Well at MIT

I first met Josh Schuler when I was a senior in high school. I was my state's female delegate at the American Junior Academy of Science's annual convention (held with the AAAS's annual convention) in St. Louis. It was an absolutely incredible experience and I loved every second of it. On one particular morning, we had a Breakfast With the Scientists event and I sat down next to Josh, who is now the Executive Director of the Lemelson-MIT program. At  the time, he worked as Inventeams Grants Officer, awarding  ingenious high school students with grants for their invention ideas.

Josh asked me to stop by Eurekafest last week: an event which partly showcases the high school students' and their inventions. In case you couldn't be there, I decided to bring some of the ingenuity to you!

To our right is a power assisted litter device, created by students from San Juan High School in Utah. Their invention reduces rescuer fatigue, increases rescue speed, and reduces the number of responders needed for backcountry rescues. [MIT President not included.]

Also to our right is an invention which hopes to one day improve highway safety: the Cooperative Cruise Control for Hybrid Commuter Cars from students in Palos Verdes Estates, California.

Students from Dayton, Ohio sought to develop some kitchen tools for individuals afflicted with hand injuries: see my video below:

[gigya width="440" height="420" src="http://v5.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=10zolrc&s=5" quality="high" flashvars="gig_lt=1246602150140&gig_pt=1246602228205&gig_g=1&gig_n=wordpress" wmode="tranparent" ] Original Video - More videos at TinyPic