The iSkate

I have been motioned as Social Chair for the 'Entrepreneurship and Innovation' (EI) iTeam. My goal is to organize events to create meaningful bonds between all members of the group. An inexpensive way to achieve this goal is hosting get-togethers and the team members.

As a student at the University of Illinois, one receives access to state class recreational facilities like the ARC and tennis courts. To our advantage, Illinois students also have inexpensive access to the Ice Arena. For just $1 (to rent skates), one can skate unbounded on freshly Zamboni paved ice.

One Saturday October 3rd, I invited all EI members to meet for a skate-together.

The turnout was good many EI members could attend. Later, even non-EI members decided to show up!


Here is the Ice Arena-





From Left to Right: Kevin Armstrong, Nathan Murray, Ian Denefe, Kris Heemskerk, and Islam Sharabash

From Left to Right: Dev Harlalka, Kris Heemskerk, Suzie Chung


The iSkate was successful pursuing the mission objectives. EI members enjoyed the event and many have requested an iSkate 2.

December will be a good month to skate.

sTeam: Project 1

The first project this semester was the Steam Car challenge. A simple design: a aluminum can filled with water is heated by a candle-inspired fuel and wick element. Thus, when ignited, evaporated water rushes out of a tiny opening in the aluminum can boiler, spinning a turbine and thus the wheels as well.

Our team, named sTeam, was comprised of five members.

Sam Furtak - Turbine Assembly

Kris Heemskerk - Chief Metal Cutter
Arsh Verma - Assistant Metal Cutter / Secretary

Jenny Roderick - Fuel Tank Assembly / Captain
Nathan Murray (Me) - Boiler Assembly

All five team members and the finished car:


We were successful at making the bugger 'go'. That is, with a little help pushing it after the fuel tank was lit, the steam car could sustain motion.

Our decorations (colored tape on the side and an 'Eat my Steam!' logo on the back) earned us the 'Best Decorated Car' award.