For MIT's 6.900 Engineering for Impact class, my team was partnered with MIT's Office of Sustainability (MITOS). The goal of the project was to develop a set of low-cost, interconnected sensor nodes to be placed across MIT’s campus to measure urban heat island effect. Our team of 8 undergrads designed it over 12 weeks, focusing on accurate temperature and humidity data, portability, low-power, and community engagement through a web platform.

Learning from past iterations, we tailored our design to overcome previous challenges, such as sensor accuracy, adding a stevenson shield to mitigate the effects of internal heating on temperature readings. We organized into subteams, and I led sensor specs and testing, providing contributions to the firmware and industrial design teams later in the project.

We enjoyed plenty of creative freedom, sourcing parts from Digikey, Mouser, etc. to our liking, within budget limits. We did face tough design challenges, such as omitting a wind-sensor due to cost, power, and maintenance issues. Regular design reviews and client feedback shaped our final product, ensuring it met MIT's needs effectively.

I enjoyed the hands-on experience of designing a product from scratch, collaborating with a diverse team, and applying engineering principles to solve real-world problems. Throughout, I developed both technical skills—like system modeling and PCB design—and valuable soft skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and client communication.