A solar-powered electric bike, a light up guitar and sweat-proof t-shirts. Put these together, and you have a great representation of the Maker Hub and its innovation.
These creations were showcased in the Maker Takeover in Moseley on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students and staff had the opportunity to see the projects their peers have been working on all year in the innovation lab.
The designs were thought up in the "makerspace," where anyone with a Phoenix card has access to tools, supplies, materials and knowledge that you can’t always access on your own. These tools give access to 3D printing and robotics equipment, which were featured in the projects at this "takeover."
Alfred Simkin, an Elon University biology professor, is the creator of the solar-powered electric bike. He stood by as staff and students rode the bike throughout campus, reaching speeds up to 30 mph. Simkin said since his car deteriorated over the years, he wanted to find a more fuel-efficient smaller vehicle to get to campus. He uses the bike to travel from his Burlington home to Elon every day.
Another popular attraction was a sound reactive LED guitar. The innovator is Sarah Hennenkamp, a sophomore. She merged computer science, music and visual arts to create a 3D printed guitar that lights up when you play it. Hennenkamp said her goal is to make the lights change colors coordinating with specific notes that are played, but for now, it just lights up with the sound.
You can find more information about the Maker Hub on their website, www.elon.edu/e/org/makers.