Hi everyone! I am excited to share with you all the progress we have made over this past week.

On Monday, our team worked on finalizing the code for our ESP32 scale interface. Over the last two weeks, we have been working on designing the circuits for our project while also integrating software to make our system cohesive. As shown below, we were able to get a simulation of our code with the proper components working with the buttons. The next step for this part of our project will be to make our ESP32 transmit its output to the healthcare provider’s phone through Bluetooth. Next week, we also plan on finalizing this build and 3D printing our CAD model to finish our medium-fidelity prototype.

Tuesday through Thursday, we shifted our attention to the ESP32-GSM module interface. For those who don’t know what those two components are, an ESP32 is a microcontroller similar to Arduino, except it has built-in Wifi and Bluetooth capabilities. A GSM module is used to transmit and receive SMS between devices. This interface is crucial as it serves as a sort of “server” that can then be used to communicate and transmit crucial clinical information between the database and healthcare workers in remote areas. A diagram explaining the different parts of our project can be found below:

On top of building the circuit, we were able to form a connection between Firebase (an online database) and the ESP32 module, making it possible to transmit information between the two. We also began working on writing the code to receive SMS messages from the GSM module. This process was a bit more challenging than initially anticipated, as we ran into some issues while debugging. Nonetheless, we are making steady progress on our DigiScale project, and I expect that we will finish this part of the project very soon!

Regarding the Lung Ultrasound Trainer (my other project that was brought from the U.S.), we coordinated with some radiographers on Friday, who helped us record some videos of the trainer to distribute them to more point-of-care ultrasound users to get feedback on the realism of the device. One interesting finding from our conversations was that ultrasounds are not often used on lungs in Malawi, as one radiographer mentioned that they prefer X-rays for many patients. This presents a unique challenge, but it will definitely be one that we can overcome with the right approach. I am excited to see how this project will progress, as I think the following steps will primarily include receiving feedback from clinicians.

Aside from work at MUBAS, I finished my physics final on Thursday, which was a significant relief, as it now means I will have more time to explore Malawi and pursue other passions. For example, Katie and I were able to go to a high school graduation today, and also went to the gym. I am excited to see what the next few weeks will look like!

Thanks for checking in with me! See you all in two weeks!

Hello Everyone!  

This past Saturday Mehmet and I went on our first true safari! I was in awe seeing such a wide variety of wildlife, but it was the elephants that captivated me most. As the largest land animals, their sheer size and graceful movements were mesmerizing, it was definitely an unforgettable experience. What fascinates me even more is their complexity, from rich social bonds and communication methods to their complex memories and emotional depth. Elephants are often seen as symbols of wisdom, and after this week, I find myself reflecting on how much I’ve learned and perhaps became a little wiser, too.

This week was a whirlwind of many events. First, our program coordinator for Rice 360, Michelle, came to visit us! It was nice to see such a familiar face and we really appreciated her coming to see our progress. We also spent time with other expats staying at our lodge whether going on the safari together or conversing during breakfast and dinner. It was interesting comparing and contrasting our countries, cultures, and experiences as these exchanges opened my eyes to global issues and ideas I hadn’t considered before, and I feel more inspired and eager to continue exploring this world. I even learned how to make nsima, a staple food in Malawi which we all ate together during dinner! Whether through cooking, conversation, or shared adventures, I felt like I was constantly learning,  gaining wisdom from many different perspectives. I’m excited to continue meeting people from around the world and to stay open to the many ways of seeing and experiencing life.

I’ve also learned a lot through my project this week. Throughout the week, we began developing 3D CAD models and developing a low fidelity prototype of our nebulizer project. Bright and I had to get creative, and it was both challenging yet fun having to figure out how to repurpose materials from a junk pile to construct a model with a functional mechanism. In the end, we were able to build a tangible vision of our project and I can’t wait to continue developing it further. 

We also decided on a couple of changes for our model from our initial design. For the multi-user interface, our original idea was to have two nozzles connected to the same air jet. However, after observing a jet nebulizer (used at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital), we noticed it operates using a push-pull mechanism. The motor turns a fan, which in turn rotates a gear that drives a pump. This pump generates the compressed air needed to aerosolize liquid medication.

Seeing how the gears and pumps interact through this push-pull motion inspired us to think about how we could harness opposing forces in our design. We started exploring the idea of adding a second air jet on the opposite side of the first one to use the reverse motion to generate additional air compression, hopefully devising a method to reuse mechanical motion more effectively and conserve energy. Another change is incorporating a corrugated tube into the design, allowing nebulizer use in multiple orientations to improve comfortability and usability for patients.  

However, these concepts are still in the early stages, and we’ve received valuable feedback emphasizing the importance of grounding our ideas in proven theory to ensure practical achievability. In the coming weeks we will conduct further research and consider possible limitations, as well as continue developing the tourniquet trainer arm model for technology feedback. Overall, this phase of development has deepened my appreciation for the engineering design process and allowed me to think creatively and wisely to problem solve through the challenges we’ve faced. 

It’s hard to believe we only have one more week before we are halfway done, but I am excited to continue learning and growing, maybe one day becoming as wise as the elephants that inspired me this week. 

Catch y’all next time!

Hi everyone, it’s Mehmet again. This week has been very informative and adventurous. Let me take you through my days.

This past Sunday, our American roommate and I went to play in a basketball tournament at the local sports complex. We split into teams of 5 each, with seven teams in the tournament. It was fun to navigate the cultural differences in play style and rules. I plan to join the sessions every weekend! It’s incredible how something as simple as a sport can bring people together.

On Monday, we had off from work due to Eid. As a result, we decided to participate in a sunset hike up Mount Ndirande. Hiking up the 1600m mountain was quite challenging, but the view absolutely made up for our “suffering.” Once we reached the summit, we sat at the top for around an hour, eating oranges and taking pictures before making our way down as the sun set. It was an exhilarating experience, and I plan to hike more during my time here.

During the week, Katie and I participated in multiple workshops. On Tuesday, we finalized the design criteria for our new project. My partner, Racheal, and I are developing a digitized system to monitor longitudinal child growth. Our current solution will include the creation of an app, a database that synchronizes with the existing health passport system, and a digital scale that automates the process of weighing a child. I am excited to start prototyping soon! This project will help build my understanding of microprocessors, app development, and database management.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we participated in Arduino and CAD workshops with our TAs. The lessons were eye-opening, and I am excited to develop our projects with these tools. We also met with a couple of our clinical mentors and planned the next steps for receiving feedback and needs-finding. In the coming weeks, I plan to visit the Queen Elizabeth Hospital more frequently and better scope out the healthcare system in this country.

This weekend, we are heading to the Majete National Park to explore the wildlife and go on a safari! I can’t wait to share the pictures and further progress on our projects!

Thanks for reading my blog post! See you next time.

Hello everyone, it’s Katie again! 

This week has been filled with new beginnings: new friends, new projects, and plenty of new sights. On our first day, we were introduced to many people including the design studio technicians, our TAs, and our new fellow interns. It was encouraging knowing we had a great support system to guide us through struggles and encourage us to grow in our engineering skills. It was also exciting meeting our new teammates; we’ll be working closely together on our projects and to improve the technology Mehmet and I brought from Rice.

Getting to know each other has been a lot of fun! We’ve shared stories about the foods we eat, the languages we speak, and our unique life experiences. Despite our differences, we’ve also discovered unexpected similarities including enjoying the same TV shows and music which led to a lot of laughter and bonding. It reminded me how deeply connected and similar people can be, no matter where we’re from. I cannot wait to continue our cultural and language exchanges and getting to know each other even more in the weeks ahead.

During this week, we were introduced to the projects that we will be working on throughout the internship. Bright and I will be  developing an enhanced nebulizer for pediatrics, while Mehmet and Racheal will be working on a digitized scale and app that helps with longitudinal child growth monitoring. Over the past few days, we’ve been actively reviewing and applying the engineering design process to guide our project work. While we were initially eager to jump straight into brainstorming solutions, we quickly learned the importance of approaching it methodically—taking the time to fully understand the problem’s scope and gather as much background information as possible.

After speaking with professors, clinical and technical mentors, and conducting our own research into nebulization, Bright and I now feel more confident in the direction we want to take, allowing us to establish clear goals and develop a solid framework for our project. Some of the key objectives in our design criteria include creating a multi-user interface, improving durability, and enhancing the comfort of the nebulizer.

One of our goals is making the device more child-friendly and reduce stress and discomfort for pediatric patients, which could improve treatment adherence by minimizing resistance and anxiety during use. We’re also exploring ways to optimize connection points and support simultaneous use by multiple patients, ultimately aiming to increase efficiency in treating children with respiratory issues.

That being said, we’re still very much in the brainstorming phase. We know that as we continue learning our objectives may evolve, so we’re doing our best to remain flexible and open to change.

We have also seen many new sights. We were able to receive tours of the design studio, the university, as well as this interesting building called the UniPod, filled with workshops, visual and audio studios to help engineers make their ideas come to life. We also visited one of the largest hospitals in Malawi, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. There, we were able to take a look at nebulizers used in the hospital and receive more insight from the doctors there. 

Finally, we saw the countryside as we headed off to Game Haven, a game reserve filled with zebras, antelopes, buffalos and more! It has been such a great first week taking in all these new sights, smells, and sounds, and I cannot wait for the weeks to come!

Thanks for reading!

Katie

Hi everyone! My name is Mehmet Acikel. I am a rising sophomore on the pre-med track, studying biochemistry and minoring in global health technologies. I am originally from New Jersey, and my favorite hobbies include playing basketball and trying new cultural food. I am excited to embark on this two-month journey of learning and growth. I am excited to learn more about the culture, history, and people of Malawi. It is a blessing to have this opportunity, and I hope to give back as best I can.

My interest in global health began during my junior year of high school. At the time, I wrote my extended essay on the Mediterranean commensality, the act of eating together, and how it creates health benefits for both communities and individuals. I found the social and cultural dimensions of healthcare fascinating, and I read multiple books in the medical anthropology space, which furthered my interest in global health.

Since coming to Rice, I have had the opportunity to engage with the Rice 360 Global Health Club as part of the special topics committee and with the Rice Association for African Development, where I helped design an improved complementary food packet to address malnutrition in Nigeria. Both of these experiences furthered my interest in approaching global health from a technical standpoint, which led me to this internship.

Katie and I plan to focus on receiving feedback for two projects this summer: a tourniquet trainer and a lung-ultrasound traines used to simulate different lung pathologies. I am eager to also work on projects with the students from MUBAS, as everyone has been super kind and motivated. This summer, I hope to develop a project combining hardware with software, as I am interested in learning about the cohesive development of medical devices. As someone with little experience with hardware but a decent amount of exposure to software, it will be an excellent opportunity to learn from students in Malawi and expand my skill set.

After multiple long flights, we arrived in Malawi yesterday around noon. In our first two days here, it has been great to explore different markets and meet the amazing people we will be working with this summer. Before this trip, my family was fortunate enough to find a contact in Malawi, so Katie and I could also meet with him today. He runs a school called Bedir, which is 5 minutes away from Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Having someone like him as a contact point is such a blessing. Next week, since it is Eid (an Islamic holiday), I plan to go and distribute food with him in some villages around Blantyre. I am excited to meet and speak with some of the high school students at his school, who have aspirations of studying college abroad in Europe and other countries.

As someone who enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures, I am excited to share food with, build connections with, and learn from more people. Whenever I travel, I find myself in awe of how vast and beautiful our world is. I cannot wait to learn more about Malawi and myself through this trip. I plan to reflect deeply on my experiences here and bring what I have learned back to the US. Specifically, learning more Chichewa before I leave will be great!

Looking forward to these next two months. Thanks for reading!

Hello everyone! I am beyond excited to begin this journey and take you along with me for the next two months, but first, let me introduce myself!

My name is Katie Voong, and I am a rising junior studying Health Sciences and minoring in Global Health Technologies. I’m originally from Connecticut, and my favorite pastimes include trying new food and watching psychological thriller movies!

My interest in global health first began when I took an introduction course my freshman year on a whim. It was intriguing to learn how to develop and contribute thoughtfully to healthcare technology for limited resource settings, and it challenged me to think beyond what I knew and step outside familiar healthcare environments. 

Although I enjoyed the class, I was initially hesitant about the technical side of designing global health technology due to my lack of experience in the engineering. However, I decided to enroll in Appropriate Design for Global Health my sophomore year, determined to learn the engineering design process and broaden my skillset. Working on a team of four other Rice students, we devised a low-cost and accessible arm model to simulate arterial bleeding. We are aiming for it to be used to train users on applying tourniquets, control hemorrhagic bleeding, and save lives in an affordable and global manner. Implementing the engineering design process and seeing our prototype come to life was a rewarding experience, and made me interested in seeking further opportunities contribute to the global health engineering field. 

Now in Malawi, I will be working on a project with an intern from MUBAS (Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences), as well as gather feedback on a couple medical device prototypes pulled from the engineering design course last semester, including the arm model that I worked on! It will be exciting to receive insightful feedback from clinicians, especially in a setting that my team and I envisioned our model could be implemented in. My fellow Rice 360 intern, Mehmet and I, will also be conducting needs finding research and develop our own personal project. Overall, I am excited to build an interdisciplinary skillset by combining my background in health sciences with hands-on engineering experience. I hope to strengthen my creative problem-solving abilities, learn how to think more like an engineer, and better understand the needs of resource-constrained settings and contribute in a way that supports and strengthens them. Although I know there will be challenges ahead, I’m determined to stay flexible, learn as much as I can, and give my best throughout this journey. 

As someone with little international travel experience, I’m also excited to immerse myself in a new culture. Already I’ve been struck by the beauty of Malawi, the lush greenery and rays of sunlight illuminating the mountain peaks are sights I will not forget. I’ve also met with mentors who have shown me nothing but kindness, hospitality, and warm pride for their country. These first few days have reminded me how big this world is and how many places there are to learn from and appreciate. I’m looking forward to continue this journey and understand what makes Malawi the so called “warm heart of Africa”. 

Thanks for reading!

Katie 

Hey everybody,

After researching and developing prototypes for the forearm ROM goniometer, we shifted the focus to the nasopharyngeal suctioning training model. Meeting with clinical mentors, we found a distinct, meaningful direction to continue this project, which previous intern teams had worked on. We completed redesigned the training model from the inside out. From creating internals that were accurate to a neonate’s to placing sensors on critical points of suctioning, we aimed to update the training model into a product that can truly teach anyone wanting to learn the procedure.

And it’s been going well! Our mentors have applauded the accuracy of our training model, and the electronics have been developing as smoothly as hot solder. The weeks ahead are promising, and we look forward to showing our mentors a final prototype.

In the meantime, the school has officially opened for MUBAS, with students flowing in ready to learn and, of course, design. We’ve met all sorts of student designers, from those creating novel neonatal incubators to AI-powered vein finders. Everyone seems full of inspiration and determination, which has led to a quite powerful environment in which to work.

Of course, during the weekends, we relaxed by visiting Majete National Park and Mt. Mulanje! We had a wonderful experience, seeing all sorts of animals and swimming in the waterfall’s super cold lake. I look forward to more progress and adventures.

Signing out,

Sanjay

Muli bwanji? (‘How are you?’)

not to be confused with Mulanje, where we went hiking last week Monday! Mount Mulanje is a massif not too far away from Blantyre containing a peak called Sapitwa, which is the highest peak in Malawi. MUBAS organized the trip for the day 🙂 We did not climb that high of course (as it takes a few days), but we hiked for a bit and got to the Likhubula Falls with its ‘Dziwe La Nkhalamba’ (‘Old man’s pool’). The hike as well as the waterfalls were so beautiful. See it for yourself!

After the hike, a big part of the remaining of last week was working on the group projects. Having  tested different fabrics and done work on the gathering of materials the previous week, last week Ranken and I focused our work majorly on the electric circuitry of the compression therapy device project that we are working on (see my last post for more information on the project). We are still making changes and improving the circuits up to this day, but we made good progress last week! Overall, this has been a very iterative process so far with quite a bit of debugging as well as some reconsiderations and changes. We have also had to figure out some materials along the way and to work around what is available. With the help of the TA, we now have a pretty functional simplified system and are currently modifying the Arduino code to make sure that all the components work together as we want them to. Below is a picture of me from last week at the MUBAS design studio working on the electronics of the device.

We also continued gathering information pertaining to needs-finding last week, in particular through conversations with medical professionals of different departments from QECH. It is incredible to see and hear the amount of things that engineering could do to make a positive impact here in Malawi within the medical field!

On Friday, we also had presentations with Hillary both about our group as well as our individual site projects (if I have not introduced him so far, Hillary is the Design Studio Manager). This was a good way to compile what we have done so far as well as to get feedback for the remaining two weeks.

Lastly, this weekend, besides doing some work, I went to visit The Mandala House which has an art gallery called La Caverna Art Gallery inside as well as a very nice outside area. I really enjoyed the visit! I added a couple of pictures below:

Until next time, once more!