- change - Mailing Lists

No Change seminar this week
by Nicola Dell 21 Nov '11

21 Nov '11

hey everyone Just a reminder that there will be no Change seminar this week. Have a happy thanksgiving :-) Thanks Nicki

1 0

Boosting infant nutrition with FoneAstra
by Yaw Anokwa 19 Nov '11

19 Nov '11

We just received some exciting news about a UW Change and PATH collaboration which has received Gates Foundation funding. According to PATH.org, "PATH will lead a new research project to develop a low-cost, cell phone–based system for human milk banks to monitor the safety of donated breast milk, supported by a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges Explorations initiative. The system combines the power of cell phone technology with the simplicity of a low-tech flash-heating pasteurization process to ensure that breast milk donated to feed vulnerable infants is free of bacteria and viruses, including HIV, while retaining its nutritional value. The 12-month grant was made to a multidisciplinary team that includes PATH and two partner organizations—the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington and the Human Milk Banking Association of South Africa. The team will develop and field-test a networked temperature sensing system using FoneAstra (http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/rohitc/foneastra.htm) a cell phone technology, to accurately monitor and validate temperatures during flash-heating. It will provide real-time, audiovisual feedback to users, allow automated supervisor monitoring, and archive results for review and audit. Flash-heating is a simple, effective way to pasteurize breast milk that is more affordable for human milk banks in low-resource settings than standard commercial-grade pasteurization. The total cost for the monitoring system will be less than US$100, compared to commercial-grade pasteurizers, which cost up to $12,000". Read more at http://www.path.org/news/an111107-infant-nutrition.php and congratulations to Rohit Chaudhri and the entire FoneAstra team!

3 2

Samasource info session Monday, at the UW Career Center – fight poverty in your next eng internship!
by Rosalyn Mahashin 18 Nov '11

18 Nov '11

Hello, Change, Samasource, a nonprofit I joined after I graduated last year, is holding an information session this upcoming Monday for undergraduates and graduates interested in joining our engineering associate program. Please see details below. *=========**Samasource Information Session *Date: Monday, Nov 21, 2011 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Location: UW Career Center (LOBBY) 134 Mary Gates, Seattle Campus Speaker: Martin Anderson, VP of Engineering *Samasource <http://www.samasource.org> is a social enterprise based in San Francisco that connects people living in poverty to dignified work via the Internet. * * * We created a technology platform that distributes microwork to centers around the world. Microwork is a new way to fight poverty by enabling capable, marginalized people to complete digital tasks in some of the world’s poorest places. Our model provides direct income to thousands of people at a fraction of the cost of traditional aid programs and equips them with skills to succeed in the new economy. We’re looking for students and graduates interested in joining our engineering associate program. The associate program starts with a 10-week stipend internship period where a candidate will be introduced to our platform and pair with a senior engineer to build and deploy new features. Upon successfully completing the internship, the software engineer will gain increased responsibility over feature specification and implementation, helping us grow our platform and develop innovative solutions to ICTD problems like these: - Distributed, collaborative education and training - Remote, rural content delivery over high latency networks - Intelligent, automated task allocation and adaptive workflow - Mobile payments and messaging *We are a small, growing, dynamic team committed to changing the world with an innovative business model. To get a quick overview of what we do, watch this 50 second video on YouTube of two of our workers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96bSBNRCSoQ. *

1 0

Fwd: [EGOV LIST] Research opportunities on Sensors, Empowerment, Accountability --- 3 PhDs and 1 postdoctoral scientist
by Alan Borning 18 Nov '11

18 Nov '11

channneling Yaw, here's a job advert relevant to the change group .... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yola Georgiadou <georgiadou(a)itc.nl> Date: Fri, Nov 18, 2011 at 1:00 AM Subject: [EGOV LIST] Research opportunities on Sensors, Empowerment, Accountability --- 3 PhDs and 1 postdoctoral scientist To: "ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net" < ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net>, "egov-list(a)u.washington.edu" < egov-list(a)u.washington.edu>, "egip(a)jrc.it" <egip(a)jrc.it> Dear colleagues, please bring these funded research opportunities to the attention of qualified candidates. **** Thank you**** Yola Georgiadou**** * * * * *Research opportunities on ‘Sensors, Empowerment, Accountability in Tanzania (SEMA)’* * * The research programme "Sensors, Empowerment, Accountability in Tanzania (SEMA) <http://www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOP_8HZC8C_Eng>" is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) under the WOTRO-Global Science for Development Programme. Three PhD candidates, one Postdoctoral Scientist and one software developer will be recruited. Here are the details of the research programme and how to apply for the PhD and Postdoctoral Scientist positions: < http://www.itc.nl/Pub/research_programme/Research_opportunities.html>. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2011.** ** ** ** ** prof. dr. yola georgiadou**** geo-information for governance**** faculty of geo-information science and earth observation (ITC) **** university of twente PO Box 6, 7500 AA Enschede - the Netherlands **** Hengelosestraat 99, 7514 AE Enschede - the Netherlands (visiting)**** ** ** tel ++31 (0) 53 4874 392**** fax ++31 (0) 53 4874 575**** email : georgiadou@itc.nl**** http://www.itc.nl**** ** ** ------------------------------ Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) University of Twente Chamber of Commerce: 501305360000 E-mail disclaimer The information in this e-mail, including any attachments, is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or action in relation to the content of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail by mistake, please delete the message and any attachment and inform the sender by return e-mail. ITC accepts no liability for any error or omission in the message content or for damage of any kind that may arise as a result of e-mail transmission. _______________________________________________ eGov-list mailing list eGov-list(a)u.washington.edu http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/egov-list

1 0

Video Links from today's discussion
by Sidhant Gupta 17 Nov '11

17 Nov '11

As requested , here are the links to the videos that Rachel and I presented: Litre of Light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Fpsw_yYPg&feature=related Discovery Channel India Innovators: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_ho7xhgWV8 QDrum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ_n5y3-Xnk Water Cooler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zya0OQRqY1E Anil Gupta TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/anil_gupta_india_s_hidden_hotbeds_of_inven… Video I skipped on wind power: http://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_how_i_harnessed_the_wind.html More interesting links to such projects: Honey Bee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s137JlAakaQ&feature=related http://www.changemakers.com/waterandsanitation/entries http://www.nif.org.in/ Sidhant & Rachel

3 2

Fwd: [Cs-grads] FW: Bonderman Fellowship information sessions
by Yaw Anokwa 17 Nov '11

17 Nov '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Lindsay Michimoto <lindsaym(a)cs.washington.edu> Date: Wed, Nov 16, 2011 at 16:39 Subject: [Cs-grads] FW: Bonderman Fellowship information sessions To: cs-grads(a)cs.washington.edu FYI-- Dear Students, We write to share an extraordinary opportunity for travel, discovery, and challenge. The 2012 Bonderman Travel Fellowship application is now available and we encourage you to consider applying. Graduate and professional students, undergraduate students (of junior and senior credit standing) in the University Honors Program, and undergraduate students (of junior and senior credit standing) in UW Tacoma’s Global Honors Program in good standing are eligible for this opportunity. David Bonderman - the donor - wishes to give students an opportunity to experience learning and growth in new and unexpected ways. Bonderman Fellows will undertake international travel on their own for eight months, to six or more countries in two or more major regions of the world. Through solo travel the Fellows will focus on exploration and discovery, learning about the world and themselves in it. Up to seven graduate and seven undergraduate Bonderman Fellowships will be awarded in Spring 2012. Each Fellowship carries a $20,000 award to be used only for extended solo international travel. Fellows may not conduct research, pursue an academic project, or participate in a formal program or organization. To learn more about this extraordinary opportunity, please attend one of the following information sessions. Tuesday, November 29, 2011; 12 noon-2:00 p.m.; Gowen Hall room 201 Thursday, December 1, 2011; 3:30-5:20 p.m.; Bagley Hall room 261 Tuesday, January 10, 2012; 12:30-2:20 p.m.; room to be announced The application deadline is Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 12 noon. Information about the fellowship and the application (which is not yet active) can be found at: http://depts.washington.edu/bondermn/ If you do not have the chance to attend one of the information sessions and you have questions about this award, graduate/professional students may contact either Helene Obradovich (helene(a)uw.edu) or Marilyn Gray (megray(a)uw.edu) in The Graduate School Office of Fellowships and Awards, and undergraduate students can contact Brook Kelly (bbkelly(a)uw.edu) in The University Honors Program. Please review the FAQ prior to contacting us. Sincerely, The Graduate School and the University Honors Program

1 0

Fwd: NIH Undergraduate Design Challenge for Technology Solutions in Health Care
by Yaw Anokwa 17 Nov '11

17 Nov '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nilsen, Wendy (NIH/OD) [E] <nilsenwj(a)od.nih.gov> Date: Thu, Nov 17, 2011 at 12:25 AM Subject: NIH UNDERGRADUATE DESIGN CHALLENGE FOCUSES ON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS IN HEALTH CARE To: MHEALTH-TRAINING(a)list.nih.gov FYI, for those of you who work with undergraduates, this challenge may be of interest. Thanks, Wendy NIH UNDERGRADUATE DESIGN CHALLENGE FOCUSES ON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS IN HEALTH CARE NIBIB solicits innovative diagnostic and therapeutic devices and technology for the underserved and disabled A competition for undergraduate students to foster the design and development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic devices, and technologies to aid underserved populations and the disabled is being sponsored by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), part of the National Institutes of Health. The Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge is part of NIBIB's efforts to build, strengthen, and prepare the future workforce of biomedical engineers. One winning student team will be selected for each of three challenge categories: diagnostic devices/methods; therapeutic devices/methods; and technology to aid underserved populations and individuals with disabilities. Eligible team candidates must be full time undergraduate students and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Each winning team will receive a $10,000 prize, to be distributed among the team members. Winners will be honored at an award ceremony during the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) in Atlanta, Ga. Each winning team will also receive up to $2,000 towards travel and registration costs to attend the awards ceremony. Dr. Zeynep Erim, the architect of the NIBIB challenge, said "At NIBIB, we aim to prepare the next generation of engineers working at the intersection of the biological and physical sciences to improve human health. This program challenges up-and-coming biomedical engineers to force the boundaries of their design skills and knowledge to develop innovative biomedical technology for health care." "As a nation, we have reached a crossroads where there is a tremendous opportunity to harness the science, engineering, and mathematics talent within our universities to address challenges in health care," stated Dr. Roderic Pettigrew, NIBIB director. "NIBIB's DEBUT Challenge, authorized under the America Competes Act, seeks to promote competitiveness in these disciplines and to put American ingenuity to work to address some of the unmet medical needs that are most prevalent in our country. I look forward to seeing what technological innovations our best and brightest students can offer to improve health care in our nation." Details on how to enter, requirements and general information about the challenge can be found at <http://debut.challenge.gov/>. For updates and additional information, visit <http://www.nibib.nih.gov/Training/UndergradGrad/DEBUT> or contact Dr. Zeynep Erim <e:mail:Zeynep.Erim@nih.gov>. SUBMISSION PERIOD: START: Jan 03, 2012 12 a.m. EST END: May 26, 2012 11:59 p.m. EDT JUDGING PERIOD: START: May 27, 2012 12 a.m. EDT END: Jul 22, 2012 11:59 p.m. EDT WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Jul 31, 2012 12 a.m. EDT The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIBIB supports training programs, as well as on site and external research at more than 200 research institutions, universities, medical centers, and private organizations throughout the United States. The Institute implements a wide variety of biomedical imaging and bioengineering programs to foster the development of innovative medical technologies to improve healthcare. Fact sheets on the research areas of the NIBIB and other topics are available in English and Spanish and can be found on the NIBIB web site at <http://www.nibib.nih.gov>. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit <www.nih.gov>. ## This NIH News Release is available online at: <http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2011/nibib-16.htm>. To subscribe (or unsubscribe) from NIH News Release mailings, go to <http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USNIH_1>. If you subscribed via the NIH Listserv, go to <https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A0=nihpress>. ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the MHEALTH-TRAINING list, click the following link: http://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=MHEALTH-TRAINING&A=1

1 0

Re: [change] TASCHA Talk -- TOMORROW -- Evaluating the impact of public access technology in U.S. Libraries: The IMPACT Web Survey, a U.S. IMPACT Study project
by Karen Hirst 16 Nov '11

16 Nov '11

TASCHA TALK: Cortney Leach Thursday -- November 17, 2011, from 3:45 to 4:45 pm Roosevelt Commons Building Fourth floor multi-purpose room Conducted in 2009, the U.S. IMPACT Study provided evidence that use of public access technology services offered at U.S. public libraries has a profound and measurable impact on individuals and communities. The IMPACT Survey project aims to extend the benefits of the study by making its patron web survey component available for all public libraries to use in their local data collection, evaluation, and advocacy efforts. This TASHA Talk will report on the frameworks underpinning the web survey project, provide a progress update, and discuss design challenges and lessons learned. About the presenter Cortney is a research analyst with the U.S. IMPACT Study Research Group and holds a Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. Her research interests include design thinking, program evaluation, public TASCHA Talks are bi-weekly sessions to share, discuss, and advance new ideas around topics related to technology and social change. Learn more at tascha.uw.edu/tascha-talks<http://tascha.uw.edu/what-we-do/tascha-talks/> .

1 0

Fwd: [dub] dub seminar 11/16 Neil Patel : Voice-based Social Media for Rural Communities
by Brian DeRenzi 16 Nov '11

16 Nov '11

One last reminder about Neil's talk. His work is definitely interesting and very relevant to the change community. Brian ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Morgan Dixon <mdixon(a)cs.washington.edu> Date: Wed, Nov 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [dub] dub seminar 11/16 Neil Patel : Voice-based Social Media for Rural Communities To: dub(a)dub.washington.edu, Neil Patel <neilp(a)cs.stanford.edu> Reminder! dub seminar at noon. On Mon, Nov 14, 2011 at 11:12 AM, Morgan Dixon <mdixon(a)cs.washington.edu> wrote: > > Hello dubbers! > Please join us on Wednesday for our weekly DUB seminar. > > Speaker: Neil Patel (Stanford / Awaaz.De) > > Wednesday, November 16 > 12:00-1:20pm > EEB 403 (map) > > Title: > > Voice-based Social Media for Rural Communities > > Abstract: > > Online communities enable people to access and share information, but they are out of reach for poor and isolated communities around the world. Mobile phones have the potential to overcome the PC’s accessibility, affordability, and familiarity barriers. However, most mobile information services limit rural populations to being passive knowledge consumers, not active producers. My dissertation explored the design and usage of voice-based social media for rural communities. My collaborators and I designed Avaaj Otalo (“voice stoop”) a voice message board application that allows small-scale farmers in India to share agricultural advice by posting, listening to, and replying to others' messages using any phone. AO has been live and accessed by thousands since 2009. In all, we have deployed voice message boards with 8 partners in 6 states across India working in agriculture, labor rights, women's empowerment, and education, logging over 100,000 calls from over 10,000 callers. > > Bio: > > Neil Patel is co-founder and CEO of Awaaz.De, a company that develops social information platforms for the majority of world's people who do not have access to the Internet. He completed a Ph.D in Computer Science from Stanford University, and B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration from UC Berkeley. He currently commutes between his homes in California and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. > > > -- > Morgan Dixon > Ph.D. Candidate > Computer Science & Engineering > University of Washington > cs.uw.edu/homes/mdixon -- Morgan Dixon Ph.D. Candidate Computer Science & Engineering University of Washington cs.uw.edu/homes/mdixon _______________________________________________ dub mailing list dub(a)dub.washington.edu http://dub.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/dub

1 0

Discussion: Small Ideas for Big Impacts
by Nicola Dell 15 Nov '11

15 Nov '11

This Thursday at Change Sidhant Gupta and Rachel Sobel will be leading a discussion on small ideas for big impacts. *Small Ideas for Big Impacts* We will discuss how small ideas can often have big impacts on a society. In particular, we will focus on ideas that make use of fundamental and basic sciences to solve much larger problems. This is science that we are taught in junior and high school, and generally our practical use of this science is much different from those in resource contained environments. We will present a series of videos, products, projects and pictures that show how people in developing nations and under-privileged societies have used principles from this same basic science to come up with fascinating solutions to their everyday problems, and more interestingly, majority of these inventors are illiterate and have no formal education. *What:* Discussion led by Sidhant Gupta and Rachel Sobel *When:* Thursday, Nov 17th at noon *Where:* Paul Allen Center, Room 203

1 0