Talk Time: Inspired by Nature
Maanasa Mendu is a ninth-grader in Mason, Ohio, but she’s already dreaming big. And why not? She won the 2016 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for creating Harvest, a bio-inspired device that uses alternative sources to produce energy. The 13-year-old received $25,000 and was named “America’s Top Young Scientist.”
What first got you interested in science?
I loved math at first, especially the intricacies and
challenges associated with problems. Then in middle
school, I had amazing STEM teachers that pushed science
beyond the limits of the classroom and revealed
through competitions and extensions that science is
basically in everything. Ever since then I have mostly
loved science, and being a scientist and actively making
a difference in our world seems like the perfect job
option. Most of all I want a job where I will actively
make a difference in the world and love every day,
whether being a scientist, teacher, or something else.
How did you hear about the 3M Young Scientist
Challenge? Why did you decide it would be a good
idea to participate?
I found out about the Discovery Education and 3M
young scientist challenge after searching on the web
for possible competitions to enter my project in. My
teachers were very supportive of my entry.
Tell us what your innovation is about.
I created a bio-inspired device that harvests
mechanical energy in the forms of wind and precipitation
through the piezoelectric effect (an amazing
phenomenon in which certain materials produce
electricity when exposed to mechanical strain),
and solar energy through organic photovoltaics in a
single design. HARVEST is not my first invention. I
started off with creating other basic piezoelectric
devices like a hand pressure-based harvester, flashlight,
shoe insole insert, and eventually I developed
HARVEST. The overall goal of this project is to deploy
HARVEST to at least provide basic light to several of
the 1.2 billion people around the world.
How did the idea for it come about?
This idea was actually nature-inspired. After observing
the swaying of tree branches when exposed
to wind, I realized that it resembled how piezoelectric
materials produced an electric charge when
exposed to vibrations, and I decided to emulate this
natural mechanism.
How did you celebrate at home after you learned
that you had won the prize? How about at school?
Everyone was very excited and proud. At my school,
all of my teachers were proud. They said congratulations,
and asked me to explain the project in further
depth to the entire class. Of course, my friends were
also very happy, and amazed. Our school newspaper
and broadcasting center even made a story about this.
What are the next steps for you in terms of what
your plans are for HARVEST?
First, I plan on maximizing the efficiency of
my product by testing different materials and configurations.
Then I plan to conduct further practicality
testing to determine any other environmental implications.
I plan on reaching out to businesses and
nonprofit organizations to deploy my innovation
across the world.
What are your favorite things to do in your
free time?
I love to read science fiction, classics, and historical
fiction. I especially love Little Women and all things
Jane Austen. Lunar Chronicles, Dark Matter, Ender's
Game, 1984, and the Harry Potter series. I also
like swimming, playing tennis, hiking,
and basically anything outdoors.
I play the violin, sketch landscapes,
tutor in STEM, and volunteer at a local
old age home.
What one thing are you most curious
about today?
What the universe is made up of (dark matter).
Do you have any siblings? Do they like to learn
from you or not really?
Yes, I have one younger sister, Haasini, and at
times she likes to follow in my path with science and
math. I try to teach her more advanced math concepts.
However, she is very different and good at more
creative aspects like reading and writing.
What is the best part about receiving this
recognition?
It has inspired me to further develop my device
into a practical application.
Who is your favorite pop star?
I like many different pop stars (no one in
particular). I like listening to Adele, Twenty One Pilots,
and Coldplay.
What does your family in India think about all the
attention you have received?
They are all extremely proud!
Poornima Apte is a Boston-area freelance writer and editor. Learn more at WordCumulus.WordPress.com.
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