College of Architecture, Arts, and Design faculty tackle real-world challenges through research and creativity | Virginia Tech News

Low-Cost, Low-Power DIY Radios for Rural Africa

Martha Sullivan, chair of industrial design and associate professor of practice, School of Design

What is the primary goal of the research project?

The primary goal is to launch the manufacture of low-cost, low-power radios in Malawi as both a business and educational opportunity. We are testing the viability of manufacturing this small electronic device in a low-resource setting. Specifically, is it possible to source the parts and maintain integrity during the assembly process? Through a long-term partnership with MicroMek, a small start-up tech company in Blantyre, Malawi, we are utilizing the process of designing the proper assembly of components to also educate Malawi youth on the basic theories of electronics and use of tools commonly needed in the electronics industry.   

Why is this work important? Why does it matter?

The low-cost, low-power radios are part of a larger strategy to increase communications in this area of limited resources via radio technology and the opening of a science radio station at the Malawi University of Science and Technology. Many people in Malawi live without electricity and lack communication tools such as cellphones as well as access to educational resources. The radio programming at the university has the potential to educate people in southern Malawi, but, without access to simple, maintainable radios, no one will hear the programming. In addition, radio technology is also improving our use of drones for the unmanned delivery of medicines in hard-to-reach locations. 

Can you provide one key anticipated or realized impact of the project? Specifically, how will this work make people’s lives better?

I am a faculty member of TEAM Malawi. This interdisciplinary group works towards improving Technology, Education, Advocacy, and Medicine in Malawi. The radio project is one component of a multipronged approach to increasing communication about health and wellness for communities in Malawi. We also have ongoing projects in visual communication, creative writing, and music to address the lack of dissemination of healthcare information. A topic of interest to the full team includes reducing communicable and noncommunicable diseases, while specifically addressing women’s health issues such as mother and baby care, vaccinations, and breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Who are your collaborators or partners?

Members of TEAM Malawi, which is housed in the Virginia Tech’s Center for International Research, Education, and Development:

• Andy Muelenaer, director and professor of practice, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics,
• Penny Muelenaer, director and associate professor, Pediatrics, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
• Faculty from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Public Health Program, and Virginia Tech Carillion School of Medicine

Other work

Additional Faculty-Initiated Research Grant projects funded by the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design include the following:

• Production support for two-person exhibition at the Sanitary Tortilla Factory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Michael Borowski, associate professor, School of Visual Arts
• From AI-Aided Design to Computer-Aided Manufacturing: Bridging Digital Concepts to Sustainable Fabrication in Interior Design Education, Eiman Elgewely, assistant professor of interior design, School of Design
• Digital Preservation and Engagement for Cultural Heritage: A Reconstruction of a Monacan Indian Village Longhouse, Jessica Hernandez, visiting professor of practice, School of Architecture
• “The Fluted Bird” at the College Music Society International Conference in Colombia, Elizabeth Lantz, senior instructor of flute, and Charles Nichols, associate professor of composition and creative technologies, School of Performing Arts
• Representation in music theory pedagogy authorship at the College Music Society International Conference in Colombia, Kimberly Loeffert, assistant professor, School of Performing Arts
• Sustainable Autonomous Generative Art, Chelsea Thompto, assistant professor of creative technologies, School of Visual Arts
• Promoting Equity in Music Education through Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Integrating Underrepresented Non-Western Instruments to Foster Intermusicality,” Hyesoo Yoo, associate professor of music education, School of Performing Arts