Ledyard Student, 11, Finalist In National Invention Convention

LEDYARD, CT — A sixth grade student at Juliet W. Long School in Gaels Ferry is headed to the 2018 National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. Sean Harren, 11, has invented the Turbo Thaw, a safe and efficient way to defrost meat in one hour or less.

According to a news release, the Turbo Thaw has heating coils that warm the aluminum top and bottom plates, while drawing the cold away from the meat. The plates' non-stick coating prevents the meat from sticking, and the bottom plate lip contains any liquid runoff.

Harren participated in the Eastern Regional competition in March, where he was selected to compete in the State Finals with 774 Connecticut students, grades K-8.

The Turbo Thaw placed in the top 120 projects at the Connecticut Invention Convention Finals, and Harren was among a select few invited to the National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo. The convention will take place from May 31 to June 2.

To sign up for Ledyard breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Photo credit: Shutterstock