EWB-OSU Local Projects serves to acknowledge and combat the inequality present in our local Columbus community in conjunction with the efforts abroad by our International Projects team. Here, proximity allows the unique ability to curtail designs to the demonstrated needs of our partner rapidly and iteratively. Projects come in a range of scopes and areas, connecting us to diverse communities and intimately familiarizing us with the problems faced by these communities. Our work includes fostering community partnerships, engineering solutions to partner problems, and continual volunteering events. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation of engineers with STEM-related kids clubs or working with local businesses to build small structures, EWB is thankful for these opportunities to give back to the Columbus area.
Current Projects
EMDR Bilateral Stimulation Devices (Buzzies)
EWB OSU has been researching and developing EMDR stimulation devices to be donated to the OSU CCS department. Bilateral stimulation is proven to lower anxiety levels and emit different frequencies inducing a calming sensation for the user. The CCS department will use our devices as a tool for student therapy sessions.
Community Garden (DRIPPY Beans)
The DRIPPY project is focused on improving and developing a community garden on Champion Ave. in Columbus. Partnering with Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and South Side Family Farms (SSFF), the garden is planned around an LSS food pantry. LSS wants the community garden to be a community space and a space for education on gardening, the benefits of fresh food, and many more topics.
Go For Launch! 2025 (Higher Orbits)
Go For Launch! is a space-themed STEM camp for high school students put on by the non-profit organization Higher Orbits. In Spring 2025, we are partnering with Higher Orbits to host the event at Ohio State! The camp revolves around the students designing a shoebox-size experiment to send to the ISS, and the winner of the competition will have their experiment sent to space. EWB-OSU aims to help fundraise, organize, and oversee the event by contacting local sponsors and schools to attract students to Go For Launch!
Volunteer & Education Outreach
Local Projects is always focused on continued volunteering outlets. This committee focuses on planning and executing these volunteer programs for our members. In the fall, we worked with COSI after-school programs and plan to do fun projects with elementary students through College Mentors for Kids.
Engineers Without Borders-USA 