Sunday, January 31, 2010

Chris~Making Us Proud (In a Good Way)


This is a portion of an article printed in the Dessert News about our son, Chris. We are so proud of him for this accomplishment, but even more pleased that this innovative idea will help fight the war on poverty in developing countries.

"Faster cars, sleeker computers, shinier toys.

Most of the products designed by mechanical engineers are made for the wealthy.

But not anymore.

BYU assistant professor of mechanical engineering Dr. CM just received a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to rethink engineering and how it can help the poor.

"We're really after figuring out, discovering, validating, then presenting to the world the design principles you would use to create products that help people increase their income," Dr. CM said.

Dr. CM and his team of undergraduate and graduate students will study different cultures and research how to design products that will be not only income generating, but also inexpensive and expandable.

One example might be creating an inexpensive mixer to make bread. As an individual makes money by selling the bread, he or she could buy additional parts that would then allow him or her to make more money and buy even more parts — like a self-funded microloan, Dr. CM said.

The NSF's prestigious Faculty Early Career Development awards are given to junior faculty members who "exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations," according to the NSF Web site.

Dr. CM is BYU's seventh professor to be awarded the grant since the program's start in 1995."


Dr. CM with some of his students!

There is another more in depth

article about this on the sidebar of my blog.

4 comments:

Heather said...

wow, way to go Dr Chris! Proud parents is probably an understatement isn't it!

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Bonnie,
Wow, what exciting news. No doubt you are very proud parents. That is so neat! He's smart cookie I'd say. What a great ideas.
I read the whole article, really so neat.
Too bad yall can't be with him to celebrate!!
Maybe the next time you go you will have to celebrate with him
as a surprise.
Hope you are doing well. Was just
getting ready to work on my blog but my computer is stuck, so got on the laptop to see how it was working cause I thought it might be something in the phone lines cause it has been raining all day.
But nope.... hope I didn't pick up a virus that crashed our computer!!
ewwwwwwwwww I'm worried now!!
Jim can probably fix it, he can fix just about anything !! lol
Have a good day my dear,
Blessings, Nellie

Faye said...

This is awesome. I thought his modular plan was such an interesting idea - and a wonderful blessing for those in poor countries. Way to go Chris!

LA Adams said...

Congratulations! I've read a few articles in that BYU magazine and they are very interesting. What a wonderful way to make a terrific contribution in life that will multiply as time goes on.