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Spencer Ahrens
Spencer holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from MIT and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. He has a strong background in mechatronics, controls, and software engineering. His research at MIT is in the Aerospace Controls Laboratory, where he designed and implemented vision-aided strategies for mapping, planning and controlling a helicopter in a cluttered indoor environment.
He has worked in a range of research institutions and for the MIGA Motor Co., where he did work related to shape memory actuators. In addition, he has researched energy efficiency of buildings using data-rich optimization algorithms as part of CITRUS at UC-Berkeley. Spencer also worked on developing a low-power wireless sensor systems with renewable energy sources and integrated HVAC controls.
At Berkeley, Spencer worked on the Solar Car Team, where he led the dynamics team. He was responsible for developing the steering, suspension, and braking subsystems, and working with the other subgroups. Spencer's most recent conference papers were presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (2007) and the IEEE International Workshop on Intelligent Systems Techniques for Wireless Sensor Networks (2006). He was also awarded second place in stock class for the North American Solar Challenge in 2005.
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Eva Markiewicz
Eva has worked at the Broad Institute, a research collaboration of MIT, Harvard and its affiliated Hospitals and the Whitehead Institute, as an automation specialist in the Technology Development Group. She has experience in modifying existing machines by integrating components to form new machines. A mechanical engineer by training, she has worked on an innovative DNA sequencing technology, trying to improve its efficiency.
Eva brings a unique combination of research experience and philanthropic work in developing countries to RawSolar. She has experience with advanced modeling programs and mechatronic design tools and holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. While at UC Berkeley, she participated in an epidemiological study that laid the foundation for the UV-tube system, a World Bank funded project that provides a simple, sustainable option for disinfecting water. At Berkeley, she also worked on creating an "infinite battery" with piezo-electric structures, because of its potential for wireless environmental monitoring in "green" buildings.
Eva volunteers for the Beehive School, located in Malawi, Africa. She first visited the school in 2006 and, one summer, created a program of science demonstrations for the young students. After returning to the US, Eva and some friends helped the school build a website and acquire non-profit status. Recently, her focus has shifted to help raise funds to build a permanent structure for the quickly growing school.
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