Sidney Wilkinson-Flicker

Sidney is a 5th-grade teacher at the A.C. Whelan Elementary School in Revere, MA. As a teacher, she enjoys seeing her students figure out the different ways that multiple subjects like math, science, and history all tie in together.

This summer, Sidney worked with Professor Ranzani and Leah Gaeta (mentor) in the Morphable Robotics Lab. Here, she worked on two projects: one about artificial muscles and another about stiffening flexible materials using magnets. Her mentor described the lab as “high-tech arts and crafts” where they use items like a heat press and laser cutters.

Any obstacles encountered were solved by simply asking her labmates for help, “they’re so friendly and they are so willing to answer any and all questions. Each person is really enthusiastic and dedicated to their task and their project”.

Watch the interview below to hear more about Sidney’s lab experience