Innovative Minds: Hannah Herbst

Alexander D. Henderson University School | 8th grade | 16 years old

The Ocean Energy Probe

About the Idea

Meet Hannah. Hannah’s Ocean Energy Probe aims to provide a stable power source and fresh water to developing countries around the globe by using untapped energy from ocean currents. The energy is stored in a generator, and then can be harnessed for many uses, including the desalinization of water.

Why did you enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

I chose to enter the Young Scientist Challenge because I feel that it is very important to tell as many people about my invention as possible. I want to make my dream of providing people with fresh water and stable power a reality, and by entering my project in the Young Scientist Challenge I am closer to saving lives with my device.

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

My favorite invention of the last 100 years is the SeaGen tidal energy turbine in Ireland. The turbine is the largest in the world! It relates to my research, as SeaGen obtains current energy from tidal flux in the Strangford Lough of Northern Ireland. I hope to be as successful as they are with the collection of ocean current energy in the future.

In 15 years I hope to be...

In 15 years I hope to be a university researcher and mechanical engineer. I would like to continue my research and save lives by providing people with a source of environmentally safe and sustainable power and fresh water. I would love to be able to compete as a finalist in 3M, Intel ISEF, and Broadcom MASTERS, as competing in these science competitions and inspiring others with my Ocean Energy Probe brings me closer to obtaining the support I need to provide stable power and fresh water to people of developing countries with my device.