Who says fashion and STEM don’t mix? Learn how Maker-in-Residence Christina combines coding and sewing to create wearable tech pieces—and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Engineering 🤝 Fashion
Growing up, Christina Ernst loved math and science. She also wanted to be a fashion designer. When it came time to choose a college major, she opted for computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—but she didn’t leave her love of textiles and design behind.
During a weekend hackathon on campus where students built projects using coding and engineering tactics, Christina merged her worlds together in a unique project: a Bluetooth controlled, color-changing dress that lit up in vibrant hues. “I kept getting girls coming up to my booth, saying they wanted to learn how to code or that this project made them want to pursue STEM.”
This moment sparked a mission for Christina: blending art and engineering to empower women and young girls in STEM.
Outside of her day job as a software engineer for Google, she does STEM outreach to teen and tween girls. “I founded my website SheBuildsRobots.com that has free circuit and coding projects designed for teens and tween girls.” Some of the projects include building a tea brewing robot, a musical cupcake topper, twinkling embroidery, and her famous color-changing skirt.
“I really believe that anybody can get started with coding with circuits, even if they’ve never touched any of that technology before. It’s just a matter of having the right person to show you what to do and having the right resources, and I’m happy to be that introduction for someone.”
Coding with Confidence at the Library
Christina brought her blend of coding, design, and passion for STEM accessibility to Chicago Public Library’s Maker Lab as this Fall’s Makers-in-Residence.
Christina taught several workshops on coding basics and intro to circuits. “Workshop attendees would walk out of my classes with a mini moving robot that they created from start to finish.”
From incorporating twinkling lights into a quilt to creating robotic arms or coding a song, Library users left with the energy and confidence to continue adding coding to their skill set. “Even the people who entered the Lab feeling like they didn’t have the experience with technology to begin left with new confidence! It’s been gratifying seeing patrons take that away from the classes,” she says.
In addition to her workshops, Christina has also held 10 open “office” hours for Library users to drop by and have one-on-one conversations with her on how to jumpstart their careers in coding and engineering.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of young women who have dabbled in coding and know it’s an in-demand skill but don’t know where to turn next. In these two-hour sessions, I’ve been able to chat with them about available resources and offer guidance,” she explains.
A Fiery Finale
Of course, no residency is complete without a final project.
A stunning tribute to the Garden of the Phoenix at Jackson Park, Christina created a motorized phoenix dress, blending flame-colored hues with shifting gold feathers to evoke the ebbing and flowing of the flames. “I was inspired by the story of the garden being built for the World’s Fair and then burnt down and rebuilt. The flames in this dress mimic that illusion of burning and being reborn and burnt again.”
Christina’s final project will be on display in the windows outside Harold Washington Library on State Street beginning December 20. For fun behind-the-scenes glimpses of her process, check out progress shots here.
And while Christina’s time at the Maker Lab has come to an end, she reflects on the impact of connecting with Makers of all who were eager to learn and create.
“It’s amazing to see how libraries have evolved to provide all ages with learning opportunities where they can master new skills, explore projects, and bring their ideas to life.”
Learn more about Christina at shebuildrobots.com or follow her on Instagram @shebuildsrobots.
The Maker Lab is a donor-powered program where Library users of all ages and experience levels can experiment with a variety of creative media, from 3D printing and laser cutting to quilting and sewing, take part in workshops led by our Makers-in-Residence and other experts, learn about entrepreneurship, and connect with the community through creating.
This program is made possible thanks to Comcast, Exelon, Peoples Gas, and generous donors to the Library Foundation.
