Miles Wu, a 14-year-old from New York City, has taken the art of origami to a whole new level by winning $25,000 for his research project based on the Miura-ori fold. This fold is known for its precision in collapsing and expanding, and Wu believes it could revolutionize disaster relief efforts in the future.
Wu, who has been folding origami as a hobby for over six years, decided to explore the potential of the Miura fold in improving deployable structures used in emergency situations. Inspired by natural disasters like wildfires in Southern California and Hurricane Helene, Wu spent months testing different variations of the fold to determine its strength-to-weight ratio.
Through 54 variations and 108 trials, Wu discovered that smaller, less acutely angled panels made of copy paper had the strongest strength-to-weight ratio, with the fold being able to hold over 10,000 times its own weight. This finding could have significant implications for the design of emergency shelters that are strong, lightweight, and easily deployable.
Wu’s groundbreaking research earned him the top prize at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge in Washington, D.C. The competition, which attracts young innovators from around the country, focuses on creative problem-solving and collaboration skills in addition to the project itself. Wu’s leadership and dedication to STEM education set him apart from his peers, showcasing his potential as a future innovator in the field.
Looking ahead, Wu plans to use the prize money towards higher education and continue exploring origami-related research. He hopes to prototype an emergency shelter based on the Miura-ori fold to bring his vision to life and make a real impact in disaster relief efforts. His passion for origami and commitment to innovation highlight the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity in young minds for the future of STEM fields.
In a world where innovation is key to solving complex problems, young talents like Miles Wu are paving the way for a brighter future. His dedication to origami and its potential applications in various fields is a testament to the power of curiosity and persistence in driving meaningful change.
