Two Princeton engineering groups hope to use technologies based on inexpensive, easily available materials to give villagers in developing countries access to safe drinking water and help create local jobs.
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The Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti inspired a team of Princeton researchers to launch develop, deploy and test two novel disaster-relief technologies -- a rainwater harvester and filtration system, and a wind turbine for renewable energy production.
Through a partnership with Princeton engineers, children who once lived in refugee camps are learning about science and engineering as they design clay water filters and solar energy cookers. Addressing problems of clean water and affordable energy that they experienced first hand, the students also are gaining insights into the higher education process in the United States.
Since her arrival at Princeton, junior Ishani Sud has made a difference by thinking inside the box.
Not just any box, but rather a solar-powered oven she designed her freshman year with classmate Lauren Wang, under the guidance of Wole Soboyejo, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
