Bridges, batteries and mountains

This autumn offered an alternative to another term back in college, an alternative where learning happens quickly and continuously. The alternative came in the form of working for EcoSystems Pvt. Ltd. in Kathmandu, Nepal. Ecosystems is developing and already supplying a pedal power device where users can pedal to charge a battery used to provide LED lighting and power other appliances. Concurrently, the company builds cable car bridges across rivers, valleys and other areas where they are needed. These bridges consist on a human powered cable car that can transport 2 people at a time; an excellent resource for small villages and towns that are cut off from markets, schools and communication due to their geographical location.

Among the many tasks at EcoSystems Nepal we have to develop a mobile phone charger that works off the 6V battery, improve the design of the PedalPower and the bridges and lower manufacturing costs of both.

With the Nepali Dasai holidays coming soon, Brendan Huang '08, Mike Wood '10 and I are planning to head to the Khumbu region, particularly the large East-West valley south of Everest, to trek around the region and if the itinerary permits it, climb Island Peak and Lobuche East.