University of Richmond

PROJECTS 2025

LeafLine

finalist project

Tatum Hoffman, Natalie Small, Julia Gulledge, Stephanie Bird, Jadine Caguicla, Yifei Qi

LeafLine explores a small-scale, affordable alternative energy system that uses plants to generate electricity. It employs triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to convert static electricity into usable energy by striking an artificial leaf against a living leaf. The generated energy can power small devices, such as a long-range (LoRa) transmitter, useful for sending messages in search and rescue situations. Designed for low cost and low power consumption, LeafLine benefits hikers, park rangers, and remote field researchers, providing a sustainable energy source that minimizes environmental impact while enhancing safety and communication in remote areas.

Instructors 2025

University of Richmond is a student-led team led by Tatum Hoffman with Somiah Lattimore and Andrew Ilnicki as the faculty advisors.