Ann Makosinski, 15, winner of her age group at the 2013 Google Science Fair, talks about the design and the inspiration for making a flashlight that runs solely on the heat of the human hand. Her journey which starts with her roots in the Phillipines, continues with the hope of providing light to people around the world who are still without it.

Since early childhood, 15 year old Ann has taken an interest in science, and inventing for the benefit of the environment. Her first toys were, a box of transistors, a hard drive, and a Lego set. Since grade 6, she has been a winner at the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair, and for the past two years a medalist at the Canada Wide Science Fair. In 2013, she had the honor of being one of the 15 finalists participating in the worldwide Google Science Fair where she won in her age category. For her project, "The Hollow Flashlight," Ann constructed a flashlight that runs solely on the heat of the human hand. Ann is working on making her flashlight available to those in thirdworld countries who still do not have access to electricity, and for inclusion in emergency and disaster kits. Her longterm dream is to eliminate the use of nonrecyclable batteries for lowpower personal electronics. Ann also enjoys playing the piano and violin, acting, editing films, and reading the classics.

via www.tedxrenfrewcollingwood.com

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