Students opening their Kickboxes

These Elon students are researching, prototyping, building, and improving their Elon Kickbox project this Spring. Below is a summary of each idea. Learn more about Elon Kickbox here.

Want to see their progress? Join us at Maker Takeover on April 30, 2025, in the Moseley Center from 4:30-6:30 PM.

Custom Joint Support Rings

Lydia holding KickboxLydia Credle

Major: Public Health and Public Policy

Sponsor: Nim Batchelor, Maker Mentor

Lydia is working on a custom, low-cost ring splints to help those with joint problems like arthritis and hypermobility. These splints, which need to be stiff and perfectly fitted, can alleviate pain and improve daily activities for affected individuals.

Eraser Stamps

Gillian holding KickboxGillian Coleman

Major: Sociology, Spanish

Sponsor: Tiffaney Coleman, Program Assistant, Audience Services

Gillian is working on a cost-effective method for creating custom stamps through eraser carving. This approach offers a budget-friendly solution for hobbyists, artists, and educators to produce personalized stamp art.

Self Landing Model Rocket

Ashton and Josh holding KickboxJosh Trubinsky and Ashton Franiak

Major: Engineering

Sponsor: Kyle Altmann, Associate Professor of Physics

Josh and Ashton are exploring an affordable, modular model rocket designed with a self-landing capability. It will incorporate off-the-shelf hardware, 3D-printed parts, and a parachute system that deploys automatically for added safety.

Creative Book Binding

Helena holding a KickboxHelena Hanzal Childress

Major: Undecided

Sponsor: Binnan Gao, Lecturer in Chinese in the Department of World Languages and Cultures

Helena’s project is a personal exploration of bookbinding, combining her passion for art, design, and storytelling. She aims to create a bound sketchbook and a custom, hand-bound edition of a friend’s story, experimenting with various binding techniques and materials to bring her artistic vision to life.

Custom Subwoofer

Nik holding KickboxNik Heiser

Major: Music Production & Recording Arts

Sponsor: Jeremy Hohertz, Lecturer in Physics

Nik is building a custom subwoofer and three-way speaker system, specifically tuned for electronic dance music (EDM) and capable of high-volume output. This sound system will enhance his work as a front-of-house engineer and support his career in live sound while also allowing him to enjoy high-quality EDM audio.

Screen Printing T-shirts

Remy holding KickboxRemy Beckman

Major: Accounting

Sponsor: Michael Fels, Professor of Art

Remy is creating screen-printed t-shirts with unique designs, offering a creative way to upcycle clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills. This initiative provides a means of self-expression that stands apart from fast-fashion alternatives.

Tie Tuck

Hannah and Lila holding KickboxHannah Plotkin and Lila Hoffman-Byer

Majors: Strategic Communications and Communication Design | Strategic Communications

Sponsor: Maggie Mullikin, Manager of Graduate and Global Programs

Hannah and Lila are exploring how to turn a hair tie into a stylish bracelet, combining practicality with fashion. Their goal is to offer a convenient and discreet way for women to carry hair ties while feeling confident and organized in their daily lives.

Wild Things Nightstand

Maggie holding KickboxMaggie Dion

Major: Engineering

Sponsor: Kyle Altmann, Associate Professor of Physics

Maggie is creating a nightstand inspired by the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are,” using Maker Hub wood scraps to carve vines and branches that evoke a magical forest. This piece is designed to transport people back to their childhood, sparking their imagination and sense of wonder.

LED Wash Bar Light

Alex holding KickboxAlex Strassberg

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Sponsor: Rick Earl, Production Manager for Cultural and Special Programs

Alex is creating a customizable LED light fixture that can change colors, fade, and move. This project aims to make advanced lighting effects more accessible for smaller productions while also allowing Alex to explore new lighting techniques and expand his design skills for a future as a lighting designer.

Froggy Stickers Advancements and Branding

Carina holding KickboxCarina Kaplan

Major: Strategic Communications

Sponsor: Amber Moser, Director of Internships, School of Communications

Carina’s project aims to advance her Froggy Stickers, a passion project since freshman year, by creating more diverse designs, improving ease of application, and using more durable materials. She plans to prepare the stickers for professional sale, continuing to spread the joy of frogs.

Forever Flowers

Saachi holding KickboxSaachi Kamath

Major: International Business and Economics

Saachi is working on creating flowers from paper, offering a sustainable and long-lasting alternative to traditional cut flowers. She is exploring ways to help others learn how to craft their own beautiful, eco-friendly bouquets for any occasion.

Knots of Love

Rose holding KickboxRose Fyffe

Majors: Human Service Studies, German Studies

Sponsor: Kate Campbell, Graduate Apprentice for the Gender & LGBTQIA Center

Rose’s project involves piloting a small crochet business to raise awareness around queer and trans rights, with proceeds supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations in North Carolina. By combining her love for crocheting with advocacy, Rose aims to create queer joy for herself and others while educating Elon students on ethical activism and policies affecting queer communities.

The Wheelchair Umbrella

Gabriel holding KickboxGabriel Nagy

Major: Engineering

Sponsor: Bethany Brinkman, Associate Professor of Engineering

Gabriel is exploring ways for students with mobility disabilities to stay dry in the rain. Motivated by his work on an accessibility audit and personal connections with those who would benefit, Gabriel tries making campus navigation easier and more comfortable for his friends.

Promise Pearls

Hailey holding a KickboxHailey Ross

Major: Business Analytics

Sponsor: Elizabeth von Briesen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Hailey is exploring pearl jewelry that reflects her passion for jewelry and commitment to the community. She envisions expanding this idea to partner with women and girls facing financial struggles, providing them with quality jewelry gifts for special occasions without the financial burden.