In 2019, Ian Charnas (CWR ’05) solved what may be one of the most irksome problems to ever face humanity—at least in his opinion. He modified his car so the windshield wipers sync to the beat of whatever music he’s listening to. Why? Because he simply yearned for a more harmonious driving experience—one in which automotive accessories could feel the rhythm of sweet, sweet music.
For as impressive of a feat as that was, it doesn’t come close to ranking among Charnas’ greatest accomplishments. Among them: He played a pivotal role creating the Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University, which is now the largest open-access university-based innovation center and makerspace in the United States.
After serving as one of its first directors and playing a leading…
