For me it is a great pleasure to be part of the fab lab class 2014. Since I read the book from Neil Gershenfeld (Fab: The coming revolution…) some years ago, I have been fascinated by this idea. Therefore, when applying at MIT for my sabbatical-stay, I hoped deeply to be able to join this amazing class. Every week is exciting, the learning curve is steep, and I’m looking forward to what the future will bring regarding the makers-movement, personal fabrication, machines that make machines an much more.
I was born and grew up in Innsbruck, Austria, where I studied experimental physics; laser- and solid state physics for my master-degree, as well as applied- and medical physics for my PhD. Later on I did an MBA in innovation management. I worked as a research scientist for MEDEL (cochlear implants) and since 2000 I'm a technology scout for Swarovski (crystals, gems, jewelry, binoculars).
Regarding digital fabrication and fab labs I am especially interested in the topics biomimetics, digital materials, affordable medical devises and analytical tools, machines that make machines, and the impact of fab labs regarding innovations and teaching.
I enjoy flying single engine planes a lot. So first I thought to make a “stall-warning” tool for that kind of planes as my final project; stalls near ground during take-off and landing are still one off the most dangerous incidents for a pilot, often with dramatic consequences. However, I decides for the actual one - a system producing affordable electric current, light, and clean water for small communities in rural areas by doing without batteries. I try to combine this project with my "Development Venture"-class (Media Lab and MIT Sloan), where the final task will be to write a business case for a scalable venture, which addresses a human key challenge. Feasible rapid prototyping and proof of concept I plan to do in Neil's "how to make..." class. So if someone wants to joint me, you are more than welcome.
Christian Teissl * * * cteissl@mit.edu * * * MIT, Cambridge, MA * * * September 2014