Mortenson Center Digest - June 11 , 2019
Program News
Findings from Large Scale Cookstove & Water Filter Intervention in Rwanda Published

A new article published in PLOS Medicine presents the findings from a large scale cookstove and water filter intervention in Rwanda. Mortenson Director Evan Thomas first began working in Rwanda with Engineers Without Boarders in 2003. He designed and managed the intervention program and he and his team took it to scale from 2012 through 2016 under the leadership of DelAgua Health and the Rwanda Ministry of Health. This program reached nearly half a million people with water filters and cookstoves in 2014, and a further 1.2 million people with cookstoves in 2015 and 2016. The program was operationalized with support from nearly a thousand Community Health workers.

The program currently earns revenue through carbon credits verified under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism and purchased by the Wold Bank, among others. This revenue enables on-going support of the program. 

The health impact study was led by Professor Thomas Clasen at Emory University, with lead authors Corey Nagel at the University of Arkansas and Miles Kirbey at Emory University.  Read the journal article titled, Effects of a large-scale distribution of water filters and natural draft rocket-style cookstoves on diarrhea and acute respiratory infection: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in Western Province, Rwanda.

The study demonstrated a reduction in the prevalence of reported diarrhea and acute respiratory infection in children under five years old by 29% and 25% respectively. These results were achieved at scale across the western province of Rwanda.

The results of this study have important implications for the viability of promoting and sustaining household health interventions at scale. This program and study are among the largest ever conducted of these kinds of interventions. 
Read a synopsis of the project in CU Boulder Today.
Congratulations Allie Davis 

Congratulations to Allie Davis who just graduated with her PhD in Civil Systems and a Certificate in Engineering for Developing Communities.  Allie is currently in India presenting the findings of her dissertation to the 22 communities who partnered with, and participated in, her research. She received matching funds from the Mortenson Center to support this trip. Congratulations!
OnCUE talks to Evan Thomas

Listen to the new OnCUE podcast  where host Josh Rhoten interviews Mortenson Center Director Evan Thomas. Evan talks about his work with Engineers Without Borders, the history of the Mortenson Center and what's coming next. 
Opportunities
Regional Shelter & DRR Events

East Africa Shelter Forum & Shelter Projects Workshop
Wed.-Thur., June 19-20, 2019
Nairobi, Kenya

This event will look at shelter projects and approaches in the East Africa region and beyond. Register for the Shelter Projects Workshop June, 19. Register for the  East Africa Shelter Forum June, 20.

MENA Shelter Projects Workshop & Shelter & Settlements Forum
Wed.-Thur., July 10-11, 2019
Amman, Jordan

This event will focus on the MENA region. Register today.
Call For Proposals: Compact 20
Sun. June 30, 2019 - Proposal Deadline

Campus Compact is accepting proposals for the Compact20 national conference. Proposals should explore the theme: The Promise of Full Participation: Democracy, Opportunity, Voice. The conference topics will explore topics such as civic engagement, community-engaged research, institutional change, university-community partnerships and more. Learn more.
Humanitarian Grand Challenge Now Open: Creating Hope In Conflict
Tue. July 16, 2019 at 9am - Proposal Deadline

The second round request for proposals for the Humanitarian Grand Challenge is open. The Humanitarian Grand Challenge seeks life-saving or life-improving innovations to help the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people impacted by humanitarian crises caused by conflict. A key focus area this year is "Safe Water and Sanitation." Learn more and apply.
National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Scholars Program: EWB-USA Track

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in partnership with Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) are working together for the first time to deliver an EWB-USA Track through the NAE's Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP). Students can complete the program and certification through their EWB-USA chapter work. Learn more about the EWB-USA Track.

Engineering for People Design Challenge

The Engineering for People Design Challenge is an opportunity for undergraduate students to work in teams to develop real-world design skills, outside of the EWB-USA chapter model. The challenge culminates in an international design competition. Learn more. or contact educaation@ewb-usa.org 
Conferences
Science, Health, Engineering Policy and Diplomacy; Sustainable Development for the Americas
Sun. June 30, 2019 - Abstract Deadline
Wed.-Fri., Oct 23-25, 2019 
University of Arizona in Tucson

This conference will bring together a broad audience relating to the application of science policy and diplomacy (SPD). In addition to SPD topics, there will be a set of sessions under the theme: Science, Health, Engineering Policy and Diplomacy Sustainable Development for the Americas.  Students and young professionals are invited to come and learn how they can contribute to science policy and diplomacy. Learn more.  Submit an abstract.
Webinars
Risk, Security and Well Being
Watch anytime

Security Expert and Course Facilitator Leandro Nagore explores the essentials of personal safety, well being and security risk management for humanitarian professionals.
Job Opportunities
Process System Engineer
Henderson, NV
July 2, 2019 - Application Deadline

The Las Vegas Valley Water District is hiring a Process Systems Engineer for the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility in NV. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in Environmental Engineering. Learn more and apply.
Principal Hardware Engineer 
Oakland, CA & Lagos, Nigeria

Shyft Power Solutions is looking for a Principal Hardware Engineer to design, develop and deploy innovative hardware products for management of energy systems. Read more and apply.
Head of Product Innovation at BURN

BURN Manufacturing designs, produces and distributes one of Kenya's best selling economical charcoal and wood cookstoves that reduce harmful smoke emissions. They manufacture all of their products in a sub-Saharan Africa manufacturing facility. They are seeking a Head of Product Innovation. Learn more and apply.
Learn
Summer Courses at the Posner Center

Qualitative Data Collection
Tues. June 18 & 25, 7-10:00am
This course is a practical overview of the principles and process of qualitative data collection to improve interviews and focus groups. 

Qualitative Data Assessment
Tues. July 16 & 23, 7-10:00am
This course teaches the principles and practice of qualitative data assessment to produce useful and rigorous finding statements. 

Data Visualization
Tues. & Fri. Aug. 6, 9, 13, 16, 7-9:00am
This course covers the basics of data visualization including interpretation and best practices for designing graphs maps and other visualization approaches. 

All course details including cost are here.
Videos
CU Boulder Engineering Faculty: Evan Thomas
So What Does the
Mortenson Center Do?
Director Evan Thomas summarizes what the Mortenson Center does at CU Boulder, and in the world. Share this video with family and friends.
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