Day 8. Ann Makosinski: Inventing a Body Heat-Powered Flashlight.

At just 15 years old, Ann Makosinski developed an innovative flashlight powered by the warmth of the human hand. Her invention, known as the Hollow Flashlight, uses the principles of thermoelectricity to generate light without batteries or external power sources. As we continue our “30 Days of Celebrating Youth: Explorers & Innovators” series, we celebrate Ann Makosinski’s remarkable ingenuity and her commitment to sustainable innovation.

A Bright Idea Sparked by a Simple Question
Ann’s journey into inventing the Hollow Flashlight began with a concern for energy efficiency and a desire to create practical solutions for everyday problems. Growing up in Canada, Ann had always been fascinated by science and technology, often experimenting with different ideas and projects. One day, a conversation with a friend in the Philippines, who struggled to complete homework due to a lack of electricity, sparked a question: 

Could a flashlight be powered by something as simple as body heat?

Inspired by this idea, Ann set out to create a device that could generate light without relying on batteries or external power sources. She turned to thermoelectricity—the process of converting temperature differences into electrical energy—as the key to her innovation. Using Peltier tiles, which generate electricity when one side is heated and the other side is cooled, Ann designed a flashlight that could be powered solely by the heat of a human hand.

The Hollow Flashlight: A Revolutionary Invention
The Hollow Flashlight works by harnessing the temperature difference between the user’s hand and the surrounding air. When the user grips the flashlight, the warmth from their hand heats one side of the Peltier tiles, while the other side remains cooler due to the ambient air temperature. This temperature difference generates enough electricity to power an LED light, providing a reliable and sustainable source of illumination.
What makes Ann’s invention particularly impressive is its simplicity and practicality. The Hollow Flashlight doesn’t require batteries, making it an ideal solution for people in remote areas with limited access to electricity or resources. It’s a powerful example of how innovative thinking can lead to sustainable solutions that address real-world challenges.

Recognition and Impact
Ann Makosinski’s groundbreaking invention earned her international recognition. In 2013, she won the Google Science Fair in the 15-16 age category, and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Time magazine, which named her one of the “30 Under 30” in science. Ann has since continued to innovate, developing other energy-efficient technologies and advocating for the importance of creativity and curiosity in science.

A Unitarian Universalist Perspective
Ann Makosinski’s story resonates with our commitment to respect for the interdependent web of all existence. Her work reflects the belief that we have a responsibility to use our talents and resources to create a more sustainable and just world. Ann’s flashlight is not just a technological innovation—it’s a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

Inspiration for the Future
Ann Makosinski’s invention is a testament to the power of youthful curiosity and the potential for innovation to drive positive change. Her work challenges us to think creatively about the resources we have and how we can use them to solve the pressing issues facing our world. As we celebrate Ann’s achievements, we are inspired to continue supporting young inventors and thinkers who are dedicated to making the world a better place.

By honoring Ann Makosinski and her contributions to sustainable technology, we acknowledge the importance of fostering creativity, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability in our youth. Her story is a shining example of how one young person’s idea can illuminate the path to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Learn more about Ann Makosinski.

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Join Us in Celebration
We hope that these daily stories will inspire you to engage more deeply with the youth in your community, to listen to their stories, and to amplify their efforts. Let us celebrate not just their achievements, but also the rich diversity they bring to our shared human experience.

Follow us daily this month as we honor these incredible young people and the boundless possibilities they represent for a more just, compassionate, and equitable world. Together, we can ensure that their legacy of excellence continues to grow and flourish.

#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #CelebrateYouth #30under30 #ClimateJustice #Thermoelectricity #GoogleScienceFair #STEM