Ann Makosinski
Ann Makosinski is an 18 year-old student, innovator and entrepreneur. Her first toy was a box of transistors. From there, her interest in science and creating arose.
She participated in her local science fair when she was in eleven. Tenth grade was when she got inspiration for her first project. One of her friends in the Philippines got a failing grade because she didn't have any electricity or light to study with at night. As a potential solution, Ann invented a flashlight that ran off the heat of the human hand - the Hollow Flashlight. The invention won her age category at the 2013 Google Science Fair, as well as numerous awards at the Intel Science and Engineering Fair. Ann's project has been covered in numerous media outlets. She appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and was named one of TIMES 30 Under 30. Ann hopes to manufacture her flashlight, bringing the invention to developing countries and including them in emergency kits. Ann also invented the eDrink - a coffee mug that harvests the excess heat of your hot drink and converts it into electricity to charge a phone. Ann debuted the eDrink this October on her second appearance on the Tonight Show.
Ann is an ambassador for the global clothing brand Uniqlo, based on her innovative approach to technology. Ann is featured in this campaign with her Hollow Flashlight, which is related to Uniqlo's heat capturing fleece technology. Ann hopes to inspire youth to be confident and pursue their passions.