Year: 2000

Who: Tahira Reid Smith

Where: Bronx, New York, U.S.

In 2000, Tahira Reid Smith brought to life an idea she first envisioned in third grade: an automated Double Dutch jump rope machine. As a mechanical engineering student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), she revisited her childhood concept during an engineering design course. With guidance from her professor and mentor, Burt Swersey, Reid Smith developed a functional prototype that allowed individuals to play Double Dutch without the need for additional participants. This inventive solution not only showcased her engineering prowess but also addressed a common childhood challenge with creativity and technical skill.

Reid Smith's innovation earned her two patents and national recognition, including features in The New York Times and NBC's Today Show. Her academic journey led her to obtain a Ph.D. in Design Science from the University of Michigan. Professionally, she has held esteemed positions at Purdue University and currently serves as the Arthur L. Glenn Professor of Engineering Education at Penn State University. There, she directs the Research in Engineering and Interdisciplinary Design (REID) Lab, focusing on human-centered design and inclusive engineering practices. Her work continues to influence the field by integrating empathy and user experience into engineering solutions.

Today, Reid Smith's automated Double Dutch machine is featured in the Smithsonian's "Change Your Game" exhibition, celebrating innovations in sports technology. She founded Jump Dreams Inc. to commercialize her invention and inspire future generations of engineers. Beyond her technical contributions, Reid Smith is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in STEM, co-founding the Black in Engineering collective and leading initiatives to support underrepresented students. Her story exemplifies how early imagination, when nurtured through education and perseverance, can lead to impactful innovations that resonate across communities.

Sources:

Websites:

• Reid Smith, T. (n.d.). Tahira Reid Smith. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://tahirareidsmith.com/

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. (2024, November 14). Born 24 years ago at RPI, Tahira Reid Smith’s ‘Jump Dreams’ are in full swing. RPI News. https://news.rpi.edu/2024/11/14/born-24-years-ago-rpi-tahira-reid-smiths-jump-dreams-are-full-swing