Collaboration between XXX University in Guatemala and YYY University in the US on Humanitarian Engineering Projects for Computer Scientists and Engineers
- Conference
- Location
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Minneapolis, MN
- Publication Date
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August 23, 2022
- Start Date
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June 26, 2022
- End Date
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June 29, 2022
- Conference Session
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International Division Technical Session 3 - Humanitarian Design
- Page Count
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11
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--41312
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/41312
- Download Count
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351
Paper Authors
Pritpal Singh Villanova University
Dr. Pritpal Singh is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Villanova University. He teaches courses in analog electronics, power electronics, renewable energy systems and humanitarian engineering. His research includes solar electric systems, battery management systems, and microgrids. He currently serves as the Meetings Chair for the ASEE Middle Atlantic Section and is a Member-at-Large of the International Activities Committee and the International Division.
Abstract
Villanova engineering professors and students have been working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for many years providing technical support to field offices in various countries. In 2018, Villanova University hosted several CRS staff from different country offices for a series of workshops. During this time, Prof. Singh met with Brenda Urizar of the Guatemala office of CRS. Later that year, Prof. Singh visited Ms. Urizar and an initial project was developed around building a low-cost computer lab for a school in a rural community. The project was launched in collaboration with the Computer Science Department at Landivar University in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The low-cost computer lab was based on the Raspberry Pi microcomputer on which educational resources would be loaded and shared over a local area network. Prof. Singh and his students made two visits to Landivar University to teach the Landivar University students and professors how to set up and configure the Raspberry Pi as a server and how to use the software on the Raspberry Pi. They also shared how to set up a network based on the Raspberry Pi server.
Funding for the computer lab was obtained through a grant from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and using the knowledge gained from the workshops delivered by the Villanova University team, the Landivar University students were able to successfully set up and implement the lab.
A second, more recent project is building a mobile phone application for farmers in Guatemala to access CRS resources on seeds, fertilizers, etc. This project was started at Villanova University and recently two students from Landivar University have also become engaged with the two students at Villanova University in this project.
This paper will present details of the mechanisms for collaboration between Villanova University and Landivar University, the experiences of the students in collaborating on these two projects, and the benefits to both the students and the communities being served of these humanitarian projects.
Singh, P. (2022, August), Collaboration between XXX University in Guatemala and YYY University in the US on Humanitarian Engineering Projects for Computer Scientists and Engineers Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41312
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