When UC Merced senior Roselia Ekhause first found out her husband, Shaun, was starting a chapter of Engineering Without Borders on campus, she thought it was a great project – but she didn’t figure there would be a place for her in the group. She’s majoring in world cultures and history with a literature emphasis and thought the group just needed engineers.
But she soon found out that wasn’t the case at all. Engineering Without Borders needs all kinds of expertise, including input from those who study languages and cultures. And because the UC Merced chapter has decided to pursue a project in the Galapagos Islands, she can use her bilingual skills to help make a difference.
Specifically, she and the other active members of the group are planning to build an energy-efficient, open-source computer lab for K-12 students in the Galapagos – similar to the Collaboratory the School of Engineering established at UC Merced. The facility can be used for learning about open-source computing – an approach that significantly lowers the barriers to entry by drastically reducing hardware costs and energy usage – or for interactive distance learning in almost any subject.
“We may even be able to offer UC Merced courses in the Galapagos lab,” Shaun Ekhause said.
He decided to start Engineering Without Borders after hearing a speaker from the California State University, Fresno, chapter of the organization who spoke at UC Merced last year. The group held its first meeting in the spring and now has about 10 students who regularly attend meetings. Dean of Engineering Jeff Wright mentors the team.
“Right now, we’re doing lots of research on the components we’ll need for the lab,” Shaun Ekhause said. “Everything from computers and monitors to the solar panels, which will provide all the power for the lab.”
He said the project is helping him gain real-world problem-solving experiences, not to mention a cultural education.
Although it receives significant support from the School of Engineering, the team is always looking for more helpers and more funding. They’ll meet Monday evenings next semester.
“All faculty, staff and students are welcome and needed,” Ekhause said.
Anyone interested should contact Shaun Ekhause.
