From a quiet 60-acre farm in St. Lucie County, a future MIT graduate is designing and building the next head-turning invention. Currently a student at Fort Pierce Central High School, Robert Sansone has turned his barn into a well-designed workshop. From run-faster boots that store elastic energy to taking apart spare brushless motors from his dad’s HVAC shop, Robert is a mechanical engineer with a desire and drive to make the next inventions that astonish and captivate the globe. In his spare time, this self-proclaimed tinker loves the challenge of solving problems. “It took me 15 versions and 1,000 total hours to get accurate data for my SLC STEM Fair project–a Synchronous Reluctance Motor” claims Robert. Scientific researchers would agree that Robert is working through the scientific method.
This year’s SLC STEM Fair is advancing two students to the state competition in Lakeland at the end of March, Robert being one. Robert’s entry presented better performance in an electric motor. This design replaces the rare-earth and unsustainable permanent magnets that are typically used in electric motors.
The next stage in the Florida STEM Fair offers 1st prize of $1,000 scholarships in eight categories with the Governor’s Award, National Youth Science Summer Camp, plus Best in Fair winning a plaque. Best of luck to Robert! The Cobra family knows his hard work every day will open doors to new possibilities for his successful future.
