Innovation Happens

Native Phoenician James Cook, a mechanical engineering systems student, shares his experiences in a multi-year use-inspired research project. Through the GlobalResolve service abroad program at Barrett, the Honors College, students are able to engage in interdisciplinary projects focused on “bridging the global divide with sustainable and collaborative solutions”. For James, what started as simply meeting a mandatory course requirement turned into a 3-semester long passion project focused on finding sustainable, innovative ways to preserve fish for local fishermen in Indonesia. The research team created a solar-thermal, ammonia-based ice generator using cheap materials, allowing for fisherman to quickly freeze their fish to maintain freshness. Along the way, they partnered with an Indonesian university and made lifelong friends. Listen in as James shares stories of traveling the world, using humanitarian engineering to make a meaningful difference, and what living the innovation mindset means to him. Have you