One of the more impactful research projects I worked on allowed me to learn of the transformative experiences design can impart on people and myself. I traveled with MIT's D-Lab to Greece to teach design to unaccompanied minor refugees living in Athens Greece. The 6 day workshop focused on learning the design process and introducing useful hands-on skills. After making hot-wire foam cutters, the youth cut out Styrofoam designs used as molds to cast into aluminum. Through making lockable boxes out of cardboard and then wood, the youth learned the value of prototyping and were introduced to woodworking techniques. After completing these "skill builders" youth implemented the design process and skills that they learned through their own projects. The participants identified problems that they wanted to solve, and then worked in teams to make products that could address those problems. The projects included a solar powered water pump to use for irrigation, a water cooler, and solar powered fans. I mentored the youth as they learned the design process and hands-on-skills. I also served as an Arabic translator throughout the workshop. Learn more about my perspective on the project here: https://d-lab.mit.edu/news-blog/blog/its-ok-i-do-it-again-d-lab-student-journey-athens-work-refugee-youth-and-her
Boxes were prototyped out of cardboard and then made in wood
Students learned to use hand tools such as saws and drills
Boxes were painted to showcase each person's individuality
Collection of finished boxes
One student wrote my name on their box to show their appreciation
Solar powered fan that combined the woodworking skills learned with electronics
Students learned how to make their own hot wire foam cutters
Students cut designs out of blue foam
Blue foam designs were used in sandcasting
Final custom sandcasted part made by a student
