We support the development of research capacity in communities through software, hardware, and training. Any community is capable of solving even the hardest problems using their own skills and resources. The cornerstones of successful community research is comparability of data and methods, validation of tools and people, scientific quality instrumentation, and a collaborative and equitable process. We focus on these as core design criteria to advance science and research in the real world.See our mission for why, our services for how, and our people for who.

Developing a low-cost, hand-held photosynthesis measurement device based on the technology created in the Kramer Lab. You can see more about it here: www.photosynq.org.

Co-founded the Research and Analytics department at Piedmont Biofuels. Have been instrumental in developing Piedmont Biofuels' internal governance structure, which is non-hierarchical. Was responsible for financial analysis and budgeting for our department.Developed a patent-pending process for enzymatic esterification of biodiesel.Currently acting PI on an SBIR Phase II grant from the DOE to commercialize the use of enzymes for biodiesel production (Phase II started in Sept. 2010). Co-PI on a grant to develop a near-supercritical amphoteric catalyst for biodiesel production, and PI on a project to create a pilot plant using enzymatic catalysts for biodiesel production.Co-developed cavitational technology which is included in most new design/build plants built at Piedmont.Successfully co-wrote the following successful applications relating to biodiesel catalyst development: $196k Phase I, $1m Phase II DOE SBIR and $180k NC Biofuels Center. Have also written many more proposals which were not accepted.

Started and built the oil collections business. Designed marketing material, did door to door sales, applied for received a loan for $50k dollars to purchase equipment.Built the business from 800 gallons collected per month up to 4200 gallons collected, upgraded equipment and laid the foundation for the existing business which currently collects 8000 gallons per month.

Produced biodiesel weekly on a 2000 gallon reactor, collected and tested oil feedstocks and finished biodiesel.

Produced biodiesel weekly on a 165 gallon reactor, collected and tested oil feedstocks and finished biodiesel.Engaged in outreach and teaching activities with farmers, home producers, and other parties interested in producing biodiesel.Designing and building methanol recovery system for the cooperative's reactor, as well as an artificial wetlands for waste water treatment.

Worked independently as a local agricultural consultant in Balauresti, Nisporeni (population 2500).Promoted the use of drip irrigation for row vegetables, resulting in six farmers implementing the system on 14 acres of land, with a likely increase in use in the 2007 season.Collaborated with the local irrigation users’ association by revamping their payment system and administration, resulting in drastic increases in coverage and a good foundation for future expansion.Promoted and organized the development of a marketing cooperative for vegetables, resulting in its creation in the summer of 2006.Was chosen to a grant selection committee for Peace Corps SPA grants and served for a year and a half.

Engaged in many projects including: thinning to reduce wild fire danger, improving antelope habitat, building trail and doing rock work, and ameliorating the effects of bark beetle infestation.Was selected as 2 of 30 corps members to participate in Leader Corps.

Used STATA to perform statistical analysis on educational data sets, which resulted in two working papers, to be published in Sociology of Education and Sociological Methodology.Worked with SAS and SPSS to compare labor market data from two different education/labor market datasets.Created and maintained a professor’s web page to make his publications available to students and the academic community.