Engineering is the application of math, science and innovation. It takes concepts and equations learned in physics or calculus and brings them to life. Two years ago, eleventh-grader Willow Livengood realized her interest in engineering and went on to pursue it further, starting the PV Engineering Club at the beginning of this school year. The club has completed its first project, called, “The Happy Wall.”
Livengood’s interest in engineering began two summers ago when she was interning for Karins Engineering Group. The internship allowed Livengood to learn about the field of engineering and fostered her interest in it. Engineering fascinates Livengood because it allows her to understood how something like a solar panel or a car is put together. “You get to see how things are created,” she said.
Livengood decided to start the club on campus to share her love for engineering with fellow students. Engineering Club meets on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. During club meetings, members speak about anything they have heard related to engineering, and the club works together on projects.
For the club’s first major project, the members created what is called “The Happy Wall.” The wall is meant to be interactive and serves as a place on which people can write positive thoughts. “Everyone shares their thoughts on what makes them happy,” Livengood said.
The club constructed the wall using wood and then painting it with chalkboard paint. Over Thanksgiving break, Livengood transported the wall to its current location at Coconut Grove. According to Livengood, the reaction to the wall seemed more than positive, and she said that it was “really popular.”
Engineering Club is already planning a new project and is currently considering making a solar cooker. Livengood explained that their main objective is to build something using everyday materials.
Livengood, who is serving as president and founder of the club, has many aspirations for the club’s future. She said, ” [I hope] the club will inspire more people who go to Pine View to be more interested in engineering.”