Gemstone Team Research

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/9070

The Gemstone Program at the University of Maryland is a unique multidisciplinary four-year research program for selected undergraduate honors students of all majors. Under guidance of faculty mentors and Gemstone staff, teams of students design, direct and conduct significant research, often but not exclusively exploring the interdependence of science and technology with society. Gemstone students are members of a living-learning community comprised of fellow students, faculty and staff who work together to enrich the undergraduate experience. This community challenges and supports the students in the development of their research, teamwork, communication and leadership skills. In the fourth year, each team of students presents its research in the form of a thesis to experts, and the students complete the program with a citation and a tangible sense of accomplishment.

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Author: search.filters.author.Chodnicki, BradSubject: search.filters.subject.alternative energy

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    A study of the benefits of retrofitting cardiovascular exercise equipment of a gym with human energy harvesting technology
    (2009-05) Blechman, Adam; Braker, George; Chodnicki, Brad; DuBow, Esther; Pernia, Kelly; Sy, Timothy; Thompson, Matthew; Tucker, Jordan; Kofinas, Peter
    This study seeks to identify the benefits of implementing human energy harvesting technology in gym exercise equipment. The central premise is that work put into fitness equipment by gym members can be used to generate electricity for the gym. This supplemental energy source can reduce the gym's overall need for electricity, therefore enhancing the gym as a green gym similar to the way of other alternative energy sources. The study includes an analysis of consumer preferences using detailed survey questionnaires, as well as an investigation of energy efficiency of gym establishments. Moreover, the feasibility of implementing this technology was evaluated from the standpoint of a business plan. By exploring the issue of a green gym from each of these three perspectives, this research shows that retrofitting a gym with energy harvesting technology can successfully enhance the image of the gym while making its operations more profitable.