Ideas to Inventions

The student body of Calistoga High School, a Title I (low-income) school in California has been through a lot over the last several years. Many are second generation Americans who have witnessed first-hand the work their parents have put in to emigrate to this country and build a life for their families – many working early and long hours under the hot sun on farms and in fields. In 2020, their community was devastated by the Glass Fire that tore through wine country in northern California, the cleanup efforts of which are still ongoing in 2024. Lemelson-MIT’s InvenTeams Grant Initiative program, founded by Lemelson-MIT in 2003 to encourage high school students to invent “technological solutions to real-world problems in their community,” provided a way to contribute to both issues and make a meaningful impact on the place they live and the world around them.

Led by their dedicated teacher, Heather Brooks, the 32 members of the Calistoga High School InvenTeam embarked on a mission to address the issues of excessive heat that they had seen up close affecting family members and first responders. They engaged with local residents, particularly firefighters and agricultural workers, to understand the impacts of extreme heat on those groups. This research inspired them to develop two prototypes for SMART wearable cooling devices, leveraging their skills in both engineering and design.

Recognizing early on that protecting their ideas was vital to the ability of their inventions to help the community, the teens decided to apply for patents. They collaborated with Attorney Alishia Feustel from Akona IP, who guided them through the patent filing process. 

Students Beatrix Webb, the CAD specialist, and Elias Escobar, the lead engineer, played pivotal roles in this endeavor. Thanks to the funding provided by an InvenTeam grant, the students were able to focus on their goal without financial constraints. "There was nobody ever saying, 'Oh, maybe we shouldn’t patent it,' it was only, 'what are we going to patent?'" Beatrix remarked.

In October 2024, the California State Senate, through a unanimous bi-lateral vote, declared the first IP Awareness Month through Senate Resolution 106 (SR-106). In honor of this, the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property and the California IP Alliance hosted a joint webinar featuring Webb, Escobar, and Feustel, who shared their experiences of turning ideas into inventions. 

Feustel expressed her admiration for the students, saying, "I was really surprised at how patent-savvy and knowledgeable these students were." She praised the quality of their initial patent application draft and figures, which they taught themselves how to prepare, and noted their focus on solving real-world problems for the benefit of firefighters and agricultural workers. “It was an exceptional experience. The students are very knowledgeable…They know their technology.”

The students' journey didn't end there. October also marked Hispanic Heritage Month, during which Escobar was invited to join Lemelson-MIT at the White House to speak about his experience with the InvenTeam. This recognition highlighted the significance of the Calistoga team’s work and the impact their ideas have had on their community.

Reflecting on the process, Webb shared, "I feel more confident in myself now… It's made me more connected to the people around me, and it's given me a lot of opportunities to get my voice out there." Her words underscore the personal growth and empowerment that came from participating on the InvenTeam.

When asked for advice for future InvenTeam participants, Webb enthusiastically responded, "If you like the process of making something new, you’re going to have fun!" Escobar echoed her sentiment, adding, "Just do it – it’s fun!"

The story of Calistoga High School's InvenTeam is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its students. Through their dedication and hard work, they have not only created innovative solutions to pressing problems but also inspired their community and beyond. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within every student to make a difference and the importance of supporting young innovators in their pursuits.

Kate Duttera

ADAPT Communications Committee