The OxyCal: Malawi iteration

After spending time building the OxyCal prototype at Rice and then field testing it here in Malawi, I have become increasingly impressed with the group of freshmen who built this device.

They were able to speak to Joseph (a PAM technician at Queens) in the beginning stages of their project, and I can tell that this end-user input has been a key influence in the design process. I met with Joseph when I brought the device to Queens for field testing and it was really powerful for him to be able to hold a prototype that had only been an idea less than a year ago.  The device measures the oxygen concentration being outputted by an oxygen concentrator for a tenth of the price of the standard oxygen analyzer used here, the Handi+ ($20 vs $200).   The need for the device is so obvious, too.  PAM only has two working Handi+ analyzers in the entire country of Malawi, one at Queens and one in Lilongwe, but being able to measure the concentration is essential to oxygen concentrator maintenance and repair.  The team has received a grant and their device definitely has a lot of potential.

Joseph and I using the OxyCal to test a concentrator in the PAM workshop

I really  appreciate the opportunity that professors Saterbak and Wettergreen  provided these and so many other students in their first year (including myself) through their freshman design class ENGI 120. It’s a completely hands-on way to learn the design process by being able to design something for a real customer.  Basically, Rice University is a wonderful place full of wonderful people. 🙂