Four professors spent two weeks in the African country this summer to seek global design projects, create faculty collaborations, and open dialogue for ideas to develop alternate light sources as part of an Edu-Light Africa project.

   "Lighting is a critical issue in developing countries," says Charles Joenathan, Ph.D., head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering. "We would like to see if 

   He concludes: "As engineers and scientists, if we don't lead, who will?"

   Rose-Hulman is among a select number of U.S. colleges and universities participating in the National Science Foundation's Smart Lighting Project with hopes that the Edu-Light Africa initiative would be part of Rose Hulman's contribution.

   Joining Joenathan on this summer's exploratory trip were mechanical engineering professors Ashley Bernal,

   "The possibilities are endless and could mutually benefit people from both countries [the U.S. and Kenya]," says Onyancha, a Kenyan native. "Any relationship with these Kenyan

   Kukral, a former Fulbright Scholar, teaches courses in African culture. He is looking forward to returning to Kenya with several Rose-Hulman students. "I have taken students on study abroad programs in Japan and Europe, and we have learned much. However, putting our students and faculty in Africa will be a life-changing experience. It was for me," he says.

   Bernal is particularly interested in incorporating ideas into freshman year mechanical engineering design projects and has joined colleagues in proposing a summer course to educate students about the Grand Challenges for Engineering as determined by a committee of the National Academy of Engineering. Challenges covering areas of energy production, providing clean water, and engineering better medicines are particular areas that need attention throughout the African continent.

   New ideas under consideration in the Edu-Light Africa project may

   Onyancha adds, "We're keeping our eyes open to new projects and 

ideas, especially in areas of sustainability."

   An educational goal for the project is supporting the Kenya government's efforts to expand educational benefits throughout the country. Special emphasis will be made toward reaching out to help students in elementary and middle schools. Also, the Faculty Without Borders program hopes to develop faculty/student collaborations to enhance joint projects between Rose-Hulman and Kenyan universities.

   "If you provide education and the infrastructure to enable learning, people will become self-reliant in their education," says Joenathan. "Education is the key to uplifting people out of poverty and

   This summer's trip also had humanitarian aspects. The group presented clothing and gifts from Rose-Hulman faculty and staff members to Kenyan high-school students. The trip was supported by the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Global Studies, and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Physics and Optical Engineering, and Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.