When it comes to Halloween costumes, most people either scramble to find something in their closet or rush to a store before it’s too late. However, for Christina Ernst, a 27-year-old software engineer from Chicago, Halloween is an opportunity to showcase her creativity and technical skills.
Known as @shebuildsrobots on TikTok, Ernst combines her passion for fashion and technology to create “wearable tech” projects that are both whimsical and innovative. This year, she decided to pay tribute to the beloved film “Ratatouille” by crafting a fully functional animatronic version of the film’s main character, Remy the rat chef.
Ernst documented her project on her website and TikTok channel, where she has a large following. Despite the occasional troll, she finds inspiration in the positive feedback she receives, especially from young women interested in pursuing engineering.
Growing up as a self-described “math nerd” with a love for fashion, Ernst discovered her passion for wearable tech at a college Hackathon. Since then, she has been using technology like 3D printers and laser cutters to inspire more girls to explore careers in STEM fields.
As the Maker in Residence at the Chicago Public Library, Ernst teaches coding classes and designs interactive projects to engage the community. Her work has caught the attention of comedian Patton Oswalt, the voice of Remy in “Ratatouille,” who praised her creativity.
While Ernst has big dreams for future projects, including a tech-inspired Met Gala look, she remains focused on perfecting her Remy costume for Halloween. With her dedication to merging art and technology, Ernst continues to inspire and empower young women in the field of engineering.
