To conclude IP Awareness Month, we were honored to host students from Calistoga High School, who discussed their inventions through the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam program. On October 22nd, Elias Escobar and Beatrix Webb, members of the Calistoga High School L-MIT InvenTeam, joined Alisha Feustel from Akona IP and Erik Johnson from the California Intellectual Property Alliance (CAPIA) for this lively and inspiring discussion. 

The Power of Teamwork

The InvenTeam included 32 student members. They tackled the inventing process by mirroring a corporate structure, which featured engineering, technology, and media groups to focus on each aspect of the invention. Together, the students raised $200K to participate in EurekaFest, which shows their commitment to inventing and the strength of collaboration. 

As Elias shared, the process was iterative from start to finish. Despite the size of the team, the students managed to ideate, test, and quickly adapt whenever an idea failed. Following months of designing and engineering different concepts the InvenTeam created two functional prototypes. 

How the Students are Helping Their Community

After interviewing community members, the students identified populations that are severely affected by excessive heat: firefighters and agricultural workers. In some ways being able to serve agricultural workers was also personal, since many of the students that attend Calistoga Junior-High School are children of agricultural workers. As a result, many understand the consequences of exposure to excessive heat firsthand. The ability to see challenges in their community and respond through innovation led the students to invent two SMART wearable cooling devices, which are patent pending. 

Personal Growth and Confidence Through Innovation

Beatrix joined the InvenTeam to pursue her interest in engineering. Following a positive experience at a summer camp intended to expose young women to different fields, Beatrix fell in love with engineering. When she came back to school, the InvenTeam was an opportunity to continue that exploration. The combination of a and a supportive environment enabled Beatrix and her fellow team members’ creative ideas to flourish, transforming concepts from basic to advanced designs. 

As the project evolved, so too did Beatrix’s role. Originally a CAD specialist, she became the point person for managing patent filings and worked closely with Attorney Alishia Feustel from Akona IP. Beginning with a book from Lemelson-MIT in hand, Beatrix credits the process of learning how to file a patent as a source of personal growth. 

Elias echoed her sentiment. Serving as lead engineer on the InvenTeam boosted Elias’ confidence and led to new experiences. In fact, he spoke on a panel at the White House during Hispanic Heritage Month about his InvenTeam experience! 

Navigating the Patent Process

Once the students’ prototypes were created, the next step was to patent them. The students viewed the decision to patent as essential and actively engaged in the application process. Simultaneously, Fuestel, their attorney partner, provided insights, showcasing the importance of mentorship and professional support in navigating the world of intellectual property.

Feustel shared that, “getting organized with a large 32-person group of inventors takes a lot of planning. They [the students] were very knowledgeable and answered [my] questions. They would always find the answer and get back to me. They are some of the best clients I’ve ever had.”

Advice for Aspiring Innovators

Reflecting on their experience, Beatrix and Elias offered advice for peers considering similar paths. Beatrix encouraged  students to embrace invention. ”[Invention is]; It’s not a thing you do, then you are, but a thing you are, and then you do and learn as you go,” she reflected. Elias added that anyone can be an inventor if they pursue their passion. 

Looking Ahead

As the panel concluded, both Beatrix and Elias expressed excitement about future opportunities. They plan to explore more innovations and competitions. “If I have an amazing team, I would jump into it again,” Elias said, his enthusiasm palpable.

The Calistoga Inventeam’s journey illustrates their achievements in innovation and personal growth, which seems to go hand in hand with the process of invention. With mentors like Calistoga teacher Heather Brooks and experts like Attorney Alisha Feustel, these young inventors are sure to continue their journey of innovation well into the future, inspiring others to join the fun!

The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property, an initiative of the Michelson 20MM Foundation, provides access to empowering IP education for budding inventors and entrepreneurs. Michelson 20MM was founded thanks to the generous support of renowned spinal surgeon Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson. To learn more, visit 20mm.org.