Tahira Reid
Tahira Reid is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Growing up in the Bronx, New York, Tahira loved Double-Dutch jump rope, and then developed an interest in math and science. At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), she worked with Professor Burt Swersey to build a Double-Dutch machine that was featured in the news and earned a patent. Her invention has not yet made it into production, but she pursued a graduate degree in engineering and then became a professor at Purdue University, where she is head of the REID (Research in Engineering and Interdisciplinary Design) Lab, which develops new human-machine interactions. She also does pathbreaking work to include minority communities that are frequently left out of technology development.
Real World Application
- In Double-Dutch jump rope, two people twirl two ropes between them in opposite directions, and a third person jumps as each rope passes underneath. If the ropes are 180-degrees out of phase (one rope is extended upward when the other is extended downward), and the rope turners take 2 seconds for a full rotation of each rope, how many times would the jumper jump in 1 minute?
- Imagine it were possible for the two Double-Dutch rope turners to turn the ropes at different speeds. If they reduced the rotational frequency of one of the ropes by 50%, now how many times would the jumper jump each minute?
Group Discussion / Activity
- What would you like to ask Tahira that wasn’t covered in the video?
- Tahira talks about working with others on her inventions, as a student and now as a professor. What different skills do you think people working as an invention team might have? What role do you think you would take on an invention team, given your interests?
- Divide into groups of 4-6 people. Assign each person in the group one of the following roles:
- Inventor
- Engineer / Scientist
- Product Designer
- Marketing Expert
- Investor (Funder)
- Public Relations and Communications Leader
As a group, think of one product that could have a positive impact on the physical activity of young kids. On paper come up with a design, a way to create and test the idea, a way to finance the idea (by explaining who will buy it and for how much relative to what it costs to make it), and a way to advertise and market the idea. As a group, organize this into a presentation that involves everyone and share it with the class.
Video Project
- Create a video short: using the interview with Tahira and other images you find online about the human-machine interface (for example, factory robots or assistive technology for people with disabilities, or another area entirely), make a 1-minute video that would excite other students about science and technology. Decide whether it is for kids your age or for younger students.
Invention Challenge
Invent something you would have wanted to play with as a kid.
- Explore It: Growing up, you may have noticed how your life was different than other kids around you. Whether you had many siblings or none, a big backyard or no yard, went to a big school or were homeschooled, there was probably something other kids had or did that you wished you could have.
- Sketch it: In school, Tahira drew a poster of a Double Dutch jump rope machine that she would later build in college. Sketch a machine you wish you had that would make it easier for you to play a sport or do your favorite hobby.
- Create It: Make a version of your idea using paper, cardboard, tape, and other materials from around your house or classroom.
- Is your invention an object, like a toy; an idea, like a new way to play a game; or a machine like Tahira’s jump rope device?
- Do you think your idea will change when you get older?
- What kind of materials would you need to build a working version? Who could help you achieve your goal?