Community Involvement
The list of service-learning projects within the College of Science and Engineering continues to grow. Faculty and students in the departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Civil & Environmental Engineering and are applying their skills to problems within the developing world and local communities.
Engineers Without Borders
Members of the SU Engineers Without Borders student club are continuing their international activities as well. In June, SU students David Gibbs (BSCE ‘06), Chad McDonald (BSCE ‘06), Lisa Knapp (BSCE ‘07), Jock Bovington (BSEE ‘06) and Cassandra Gavin (BS Nursing ‘06) traveled with Civil & Environmental Engineering faculty and staff (Phillip Thompson, Mark Siegenthaler, and Fred Jiencke) to Mae Nam Khun, Thailand to complete a dormitory for elementary school-aged children. The effort was a follow-up to the project that started in March 2005 when Dr. Jeff Dragovich (CEE) and The dormitory in Mae Nam Khun, Thailand houses 57 children. Jis team constructed the first 2000 square-feet of living space. The team was able to construct an additional 1000 square feet of space over a seven day period.
EWB’s current project focuses on an elementary school in Managua, Nicaragua. The school (Juan Collegio XXIII) has an outdoor eating area that is prone to flooding. Led by Mark Siegenthaler, engineering students Amanda Harris (BSCE ‘06), Mathieu Marineau (BSCE ‘07), Sonya Milonova (BSCE ‘09) and Julian Rodgers (BSME ‘07), have completed the design of a stormwater drainage system for the school. Plans are currently being made to begin construction. A significant part of the planning involves the annual EWB fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, February 17th, 2007. More information about the fundraiser can be found by visiting: http://www.su-ewb.org/.
Father Bert Otten, from Electrical & Computer Engineering, has been involved with a variety of service projects during his mission in Zambia, Africa. He works with the Monze Diocese Promoter's Office, the Rural Appropriate Technology Centre, and the Chikuni Youth Agricultural Training Centre (CYATC) on a project that makes biodiesel from sunflower oil. They now have a truck using 100% percent vegetable oil. Father Otten said, "I can tell no difference in performance. The pitch of the sound of the motor is slightly lower because the vegetable oil is slower burning and therefore smoother. The exhaust smells something like French fries." They are also looking into jatropa plants which produce non-edible oil.
Another exciting project that is near completion incorporates broadband, satellite communication for St. Canisius High School and the local community. As part of the satellite initiative, Father Otten is working with Phil Thompson who has developed the laptop donation program. Father Otten helps to receive the donations for distribution. Anyone who is interested in donating a laptop computer to the mission in Zambia, should contact campus coordinator Phillip Thompson (thompson@seattleu.edu).
Solar Vegetable Drier
Father Otten is also completing the construction of a solar vegetable drier for preserving vegetables and fruits beyond harvest time. The plan is to produce between 30 and 50 of them for nearby villages. In his spare time, Father Otten is also teaching a class on Ignatian Spirituality for The Holy Spirit Sister novices and postulants.
The first revision of the solar vegetable drier has come out of the Rural Engineering Centre for testing. Next step is to build 5 more with improvements and test them. Then 5 more. Fr. Taddeus hopes to get 30 to 50 into the villages at present.
Jesuit Lights
Simple Inexpensive Lighting for the Developing World
Recent advances in LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology offers a source of simple and inexpensive lighting to replace traditional sources of light in the developing world. In rural areas in Zambia people use a small tin can, diesel fuel, and a rope or cloth wick to provide light for their homes. Although these are cheaper than candles, they have many problems: Matches are used each time illumination is desired. The fuel spills easily. Wind blows out the flame. Grass roofs of houses catch fire easily. They are delighted to use these Jesuit Lights. This Web site (http://www.seattleu.edu/jesuitlights/) offers information, ideas, and directions for designing your own LED lights. JesuitLights...
Click here to go to the official Engineers Without Borders Homepage
"The Wheelchair Project connects the skills and generosity of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department with Bridge Ministries in Bellevue. This non-profit organization affords a number of services for people with disabilities. Among these charitable works include repairing and donating used wheelchairs and scooters. Since there is only one engineer at Bridge Ministries to perform these repairs, they have asked the department for help in getting this invaluable equipment more quickly to those in need.
For me, volunteering on such compassionate endeavors like the Wheelchair Project is what distinguishes a Seattle University engineering education from any other program. Anyone can go to an engineering school and get their degree, but where else can you learn to use your skills for others? Where else can you learn to engineer a difference for the greater good?",
George Balagtas
Get Involved: It has been my privilege facilitating this project. It is a win-win for community and students, and provides a rich educational experience. Alvin Moser
Please contact Professor Alvin Moser for information and participation.
Laptop Computer Program
EWB students are collecting laptop computers to send to Father Bert Otten's mission in Zambia, Africa. The first successful shipment occurred in December 2006. We are also seeking donations of wireless USB network cards and routers. If you would like to donate equipment, please contact Phillip Thompson.
How to Participate?
Engineers & Engineering Students working or retired are encouraged to explore with us sharing our skills and time making a difference in our communities. Look at that smile above...it is worth the effort.
Click here to go to the official Engineers Without Borders Homepage