Student Projects
LunaLight
LunaLight, a solar-rechargeable LED lantern, was created in 2011-2012 by materials engineering students Sean Dawson, Mike Deagen and Brian Mircheff, along with biomedical engineering senior Francisco Dye, mechanical engineering senior Ryan Ramelb, business senior Sarah Lam and graphic communications senior Joyce Yoo.
“I’m very proud of the team’s accomplishments,” said Savage. “We just delivered six lights that are going to Kenya. This project includes every aspect of innovation, entrepreneurship and multidisciplinary partnerships across Cal Poly.”
Designed as practical, economical and socially responsible, LunaLights address a serious global problem. In rural southwest Kenya, for example, families live in small mud huts with no windows. The typical family lives off an income of $1.30 per day, and as much as half of which is spent on kerosene for lighting. Children, who work long hours in the fields each day, need light in order to learn and study at night. By saving money on kerosene, families can afford more food, clothing and medicine. The light also helps adults extend their workday and increase their income.
Sleek, compact, portable and bright, the LunaLight contains a solar panel and rechargeable batteries. Stored energy in the batteries power the bright white LEDs or charge a cell phone through a built-in USB port.
Visit http://onemillionlights.org/2012/lunalight/ for more information or to make a donation that will give Maasai families a chance at a brighter future.