Meet the Mentor:
Dr. Benton Free
3M Product Development Specialist
Electronics and Energy Group
Intense scientific research and development spark the ideas and products that shape the world around us. Just ask Dr. Benton Free, product development specialist in the 3M Electronics and Energy Group Laboratory Incubator. In this role, Dr. Free is responsible for researching and bringing to life products and processes that create real-world impact. Since assuming his current role in 2005, Dr. Free has worked on a diverse set of technologies including pen-based touch systems, optical films, reflective sheeting, optical coating, transparent soluble conductors and digital printing.
Benton joined 3M in 2000 as an analytical chemist in the Measurement Group in 3M’s Engineering Systems Tech Center (ESTC). In this role, he worked to develop on-line measurement techniques and chemical and biological sensor technologies.
Benton has 18 issued patents to date and more than 30 U.S. patents pending. He earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Washington.
As a part of his role with the Electronics and Energy Group Laboratory, Dr. Free has worked on a diverse set of technologies.
Mentees
Mrinali Kesavadas
Low Cost CPR Simluator
Meet Mrinali. Mrinali’s low cost CPR simulator aims to help save lives in underdeveloped countries. The simulator is made of low cost materials, is portable and also has the capability to run a computer based program to provide instant feedback to the user to assure that they are performing CPR in the correct way.
Conner Pettit
Car Temperature Sensor
With soaring summer heat temperatures, Conner invented a device that measures temperature within a car and sends the information to a mobile device.
Andrew Masek
Voltage Generated By Oscillations From Robotic Simulator
Andrew’s idea captures energy to recharge a battery using man’s favorite 4-legged friend!