Kristofer S.J. Pister (Advisor)

The research focus of this project is to design, fabricate and develop a six-axis controlled electrostatically levitated mass system. While electrostatic levitation has been demonstrated before, this project focuses on developing a smaller form factor (10cmx10cm), low power (0.5W), and higher mass (1g) system. The proof mass will be levitated using actuation electrodes: four top electrodes for levitation and control of z-axis position as well as rotation about x- and y-axes, and six side electrodes for control of x- and y-axis position and z-axis rotation. To achieve stability...

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Recovery from stroke is complex and ultimately limited by the brains limited ability to regenerate damaged tissue. Ideally, we would want to drive neurogenesis and angiogenesis in a stroke lesion to aid in recovery. We propose a multimodality platform for stimulating neurogenesis which simultaneously allows for electrophysiological recording of neurons in the lesion area after stroke. Our aim is to provide a paradigm for making complex substrates for nervous tissue. With various devices integrated, multiple functions can be...

Since drones can be flown remotely or autonomously and can navigate dangerous environments without any risk to human operators, they are attractive for military applications, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. At the same time, enemy drones pose a growing serious threat to civilians and soldiers. Current anti-drone warfare is either inaccurate, expensive, or large in size, so this project aims to build a low-cost, crayon-sized radar-guided microrocket to target drones up to 100 m away.

Project currently funded by: Membership Fees