LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One duPont Manual High Schooler's passion for STEM gained him national attention.
Vallabh Ramesh's project is a Shape Memory Polymer. It can help with everything from natural disaster relief to outer space construction.
"Ever since I was little, I would tinker with things," Ramesh said.
Vallabh Ramesh demonstrates how his Shape Memory Polymer works.
He has always loved engineering. His passion, paired with access to a U of L lab, allowed Ramesh to perfect his Shape Memory Polymer. It's a flexible material that -- when mixed with resin -- can withstand hurricane force wind and earthquakes.
"These can take a lot of wear and tear," Ramesh said.
This could someday help disaster survivors build temporary shelter.
"This can help reinforce those structures and make sure the building that you have doesn't collapse," Ramesh said.
The polymer costs next to nothing and is able to stretch more than six times its original length. It can also hold up to 200 times its weight.
"This is definitely something that I think could help a lot of people and save more lives," Ramesh said.
He's not only thinking outside the box but also outside the planet with this project.
"This can be used as an insulation panel when you're constructing in space," Ramesh said.
It could allow humans to build panels for housing and tires for rover vehicles.
Vallabh Ramesh presented in D.C. and met people like Mitch McConnell.
In April, he was named a National STEM Champion. He presented in Washington, D.C. and met political figures like U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.
"I was a little bit nervous going and presenting," Ramesh said.
It took two years and about a thousand samples to get this far in his research.
"It wasn't frustrating," Ramesh said. "But, it took a lot of patience."
He plans to keep working on this polymer until he graduates high school.
"I won't stop until I actually finish what I'm doing," Ramesh said.
Related Stories:
- Free summer program in Louisville teaching architecture, engineering and construction
- New engineering building will boost STEM grads, U of L says
- Kids get a lesson in how and why things work through 'Engineering Days' at Kentucky Science Center
- Bellarmine University hosts annual STEM Maker fair for local high school students
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
