WHO ARE WE?

We are an undergraduate research team, comprised of thirteen members from diverse backgrounds, under the mentorship of Dr. Frank Coale. We are working to develop a means to magnetically levitate, stabilize, and manipulate an object with the use of a microcontroller. This technology can be applied to a vast array of fields, ranging from increasing the speed of dampening shocks’ response to improving the efficiency of wind turbines.

ABOUT OUR PROJECT

We want to analyze an existing circuit and condense the logic of that circuit into a series of algorithms, with the aid of computer simulations and modeling. Once we have derived these algorithms, we will build our own circuit. Our circuit will be simpler than the existing one, however we will have more control over the object with the development and implementation of the algorithms. With these tools, we will have complete control over our levitated object, i.e. we can levitate it at varying heights, displace it in any direction, and rotate it.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Our research requires expensive circuit components, lab equipment, and materials. These include custom-made solenoids, potentiometers, sensors, and magnets. With your support, we will be able to purchase these materials and continue to strive towards the successful completion of our project. We are grateful for any and all donations and thank you for your support.

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law.  Please see your tax advisor for details.