It’s an annual event, but students rarely participate. This year the MAESTRO Lab was the only research team in the college to compete against HR, Research Development, and other similar business units in the annual Christmas “Gingerbread House” contest. After a Hartl edict that “there must be things that move,” the student team came through with a well-received play on Santa’s supersonic sleigh. When the voting was done, “Santa’s Sweet Ride” was named “Most Innovative” and received the 3rd place prize overall.
The shuttle and all characters were composed of real gingerbread with Rice Krispies comprising the shuttle nose. The engine flames were melted and re-solidified Jolly Ranchers illuminated by flickering LEDs. The actuators were reclaimed from an obsolete NASA experiment.
Any R1 research group can deliver on a million-dollar contract from a major federal sponsor. But only a team like MAESTRO can make gingerbread fly at 2:00 in the morning.
Team members are (left to right): Priscilla Ho, Sarah Freeman, Kevin Lieb, Adelynn Belle, Darren Hartl, and Walker Buckle
