This week we presented our technologies to the St. Gabriel’s staff and received amazing feedback. Our technologies included the Global Field Microscope, Malaria and Tuberculosis Field Staining Kit, Sally Centrifuge, bCPAP (Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine, Hands-free Hand washing System, Dose Right Clips, and Pregnancy Care Backpack. Rice students have spent the last semester or year developing these technologies through the Global Health Technologies program. My group and I spent the last semester developing a field kit that contained all the materials for proper Malaria and Tuberculosis staining, and Z and Danielle spent the last year developing the Pregnancy Care Backpack for midwives traveling to rural communities.

Dr. Kiromera, St. Gabriel’s Medical Director, was impressed with all the technologies and especially excited about Global Field Microscope. This microscope is inexpensive, compact, and does not require energy except for the battery powered flashlight. Also, he was extremely excited about the Global Health Technologies Program at Rice. He said, “We must work together. There is incredible brain power and ideas from the students.” He was eager to partner with the design classes as a mentor and have the students develop new technologies for the hospital.

I’ve learned that these designs are not just the semester’s end product or grade. A design has the potential to make a huge contribution to a local hospital or community thousands of miles away. I have also learned that an A in the classroom does not always guarantee an A in the real world. Practicality and culture sensitivity play huge roles when introducing new technologies in a different country. There are thousands of ideas for new projects here and room for improvement in our current designs. I will always remember Dr. Kiromera’s wise words. He told us “I am happy that you are thinking globally and that you are here. You are our youth and our next generation. These technologies will help us work together and solve one common goal.” The feedback and encouragement from the staff has motivated me to seek more input and find ideas for future projects.