Monmouth Students Advance Sustainability on Campus
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
On the fourth floor of Monmouth's Center for Science and Business, Jonah Hutton and Noelle Faulk stand behind a television that's powered by their solar charging station. Photo courtesy of Monmouth College
When Monmouth College seniors Noelle Faulk and Jonah Hutton began their senior year, they never imagined it would lead to a fully functional solar-powered charging station—one that now powers a public-access room on campus and promotes sustainability.
It all began during a “Fluid Mechanics” class when Faulk noticed unused solar panels stored on the fourth floor of the Center for Science and Business (CSB). “I'm passionate about sustainability and renewable energy, so I went straight to Professor (Chris) Fasano to ask if there was any way I could use the panels for a project,” she recalled.
That inquiry led to an independent research project for Faulk and later became the basis for her and Hutton’s senior design project. Their goal: build a practical solar-powered charging station that served both students and the community while visually demonstrating how solar energy systems work.
Using SolidWorks for design modeling and integrating components such as an inverter, charge controller, and storage batteries, they built multiple design iterations with cost-efficiency and waste-reduction in mind. While both students emphasized mechanical engineering, the project pushed them into unfamiliar territory.
“We had to teach ourselves a lot of electrical engineering,” said Hutton. “From component specifications to energy calculations, it was a huge learning curve, but a rewarding one.”
Installed in the CSB, the station includes a display showing internal components, along with a TV screen to enhance the space’s functionality. “We hope the visible components will draw people in, spark curiosity and encourage them to think about where their energy comes from,” said Faulk. The station’s TV will showcase Monmouth athletic events, host student movie nights, and offer background news—blending education with community.
The project drew wide support from Monmouth faculty and staff. Faulk and Hutton collaborated with professors and staff members across departments and surveyed the campus community to refine their design. Feedback led to installing two types of power strips—one with built-in chargers and another with open ports.
Looking ahead, the duo hopes their project inspires future students. “Even if the energy savings are small, it's a visible example of what's possible,” said Faulk.
Physics lab manager Ralph Patterson summed it up: “Their work not only powers devices, it powers conversation, awareness and future change.”