Innovative Minds: Maya Trutschl

Caddo Middle Magnet School | 8th grade grade | 13 years old

Microcontroller-Driven Remote HVAC Monitoring System for a Greener Planet

About the Idea

The computer revolution over the past few decades has followed the laws predicted by Gordon Moore, who in 1965 observed that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit (IC) doubles about every two years. Making these devices smaller and more accessible, combined with open-source code opened a whole new world for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Why did you enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

I entered the Young Scientist Challenge because I want to bring my innovation to the world. Heating and cooling are a big portion of our energy consumption and my innovation helps reduce it. I feel that this could be the beginning of a long journey and this competition could help me get there!

What is your favorite invention of the last 100 years, and why?

My favorite invention of the last 100 years is the laptop computer. Long gone are the days of large computer servers and rectangular boxes tethered to the desk, laptops are lightweight and portable. The laptop drastically changed the lives of many, now allowing them to quickly and easily access the internet and communicate with others no matter where they are.

In 15 years I hope to be...

a 29-year-old scientist or engineer working in the fields of mechanical or aerospace engineering. I would like to further contribute to the world through new discoveries and inventions that would better our lives here on planet Earth, and one day, hopefully on the other side of our galaxy.