Currently, Amy teaches D-Lab, a series of courses and field experiences that gives students a grounding in the technical challenges that developing countries face - then gives them the opportunity to travel, find a need, conceive a solution, and then prototype and implement it. Target nations include Brazil, China, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Lesotho, and Zambia. Students travel during the January Independent Activities Period (IAP).
"We partner with diverse organizations, including universities, technology centers, foundations, and businesses," Amy says. "For example, one corporation sponsors our work in Brazil because it has operations there. In Zambia, we partner with the local chieftainess and the whole village gets involved."
Designing technologies for developing countries is particularly challenging because of the numerous constraints. A reliable electrical system, for example, is not a given. In addition, cost, durability, and ease of use are important. Students learn and apply fabrication and prototyping skills to help them assess the viability of their concepts.
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