June 29th

Last week was a big week, as would be expected at this stage of the project. I began posting a reading list that I will add to weekly.

Another early Tuesday morning meeting at Brueggers, This time though I had the privilege of meeting with Bob Clark and Ed Przybylowicz. Bob currently lives in Maine and comes down about once a month to "cause trouble" I knew we would get along the moment he said that. Ed is among many other more important things currently trying to find something that you can stain bamboo with for a pet project that he is working on in his garden. Both men come with years of experience and it's an honor just to be able to sit and talk with them.

At the meeting we discussed the inner workings between RIT and RMSC as well as other sustainable projects that are currently going on in the area, such as local plastic's molder that sells back power to the grid on weekends and Red Tail Winery that has opened a newly fully sustainable winery in the finger lakes. We also spoke about my meeting later in the week with Jim Meyers.

After that I ventured to RIT to print out some plans for different types of bike generators that I could share with some of the guys at RMSC. Upon arriving at RMSC the team was in full swing and this being my second week I was eager to start working on something. I spoke with the team that was creating an exhibit utilizing a leaf blower to demonstrate how much power it takes when pedaling to power certain house hold appliances. One of the major problems I face when going into RMSC is that this team has been together for years they also have a lifetime of experiences. This leads to me having to sit back a little bit and learn from them instead of forcing my ideas upon them. All and all a great visit but I am getting antsy to start my own project and designs.

That afternoon I got together with the RIT riding club led by Joe Pow and put in quick 32 miles with erika before heading home and getting some rest.

Wednesday

I rode into school with Jon Scholl and the RIT e.bike. the bike was quick and seemingly effortless. (there in lies the problem) as we left the lehigh valley trail the e.bike received its first flat tire and would have to be pushed the half mile to campus. Because of the expensive design of the bike this was no easy task.

Jon and I met with Ian and Bob Clark to assist another graduate student Sarah Wolfstien in joining our group. Sarah seemed excited and the next morning left for Boulder Colorado, hopefully when she comes back we can work something out.

Thursday
Upon arriving I met with Ian, Jim Myers and Bob Clark, at 2pm

Jim having just returned from a trip to Bourne Haiti, was excited about the idea of working together and eagerly showed me pictures from his trip as well as told be about all the opportunities for projects that he was currently working on in many different countries. the idea that a latched onto the most was the fact that kerosene lamps kill over 40,000 people a year. That number grossly undercounts those who are burnt severely and have to live the rest of their lives with large scars from the avoidable accidents.

Jim also had a great idea of for my thesis showcasing how the design of a bike powered generator would be severly different for this country as opposed to more developing nations. He left me to do some much needed research and gave me some leads on that information, such as MIT's D-Lab and Dr. Smith who works at Standford and has a facinating TED talk. Also to look up the wind belt a truly novel innovation in wind power.