Mohammed Njie – Travel Feature

Alboury Mohammed Njie speaks with a member of the Tintinto village in The Gambia about day to day life without electricity.
Alboury Mohammed Njie speaks with a member of the Tintinto village in The Gambia about day to day life without electricity.

Many students at SMU return home during breaks, and the Hunt Institute’s Alboury Mohammed Njie is no exception. Like in years prior, Njie spent his winter break in The Gambia, where most of his family lives. However, Njie’s return to The Gambia was not just to catch up with family. Njie spent most of his time meeting with government officials, conversing with local villagers, and testing different methods to provide reliable electricity for his entire country.

In the fall of 2019, Njie won SMU’s Big Ideas competition for his idea to build a sustainable energy mix system in his home country of The Gambia. Since then, he was invited to be the first student social entrepreneur in the Hunt Institute. He then took his project to The Gambia to research how clean energy could be suited for the environment and to meet with locals in villages without any electrical connection in search of what would best suit their needs and lifestyle.

“I spent a lot of time going into the rural areas and the remote areas and meeting with those people,” Njie said. “Not just to hear from them, but also to help the rest of the world visualize what they’re going through.

More than half of the people in The Gambia, around 52%, have no access to electricity. The remaining 48% of Gambians have some unreliable access. For Njie, and Gambian officials, this is a reality that needs to change.

“There’s an ongoing problem in The Gambia with electricity,” Njie said. “There are a lot of different departments and ministries trying to solve this problem. I met with them, I heard what their goals were for the country, what their vision for the country is, and I share mine as well. They were very excited about this project.”

Njie attended high school in The Gambia before pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at SMU. He says he has the perspective of both worlds, understanding the resources of the high school he attended, which is one of the few schools electrified in The Gambia, and seeing students at other institutions with a very different academic experience.

The local seconday school in Tintinto, which has no electrical connection, indoor lights, or computers.
The local secondary school in Tintinto, which has no electrical connection, indoor lights, or computers.

“There’s a huge technical lag, even within The Gambia,” Njie said. “There’s a lot of things kids wouldn’t necessarily be able to learn, just because they don’t have electricity. There are certain times of the day that they won’t be able to study because when it gets dark: that’s it, everybody has to go home.”

The benefits of providing sustainable, clean energy electricity for the entire country is monumental, reaching beyond just schools. Countless rural villages, like the one Njie visited, spend most of their day concerned with gathering enough firewood to cook food. Many villagers make a miles-long journey, even in rain or scorching heat, to collect the firewood.

Villagers in Tintinto make the long journey back to the village carrying firewood on their heads
Villagers in Tintinto make the long journey back to the village carrying firewood on their heads

“They walked to a certain area where they usually get firewood and the sad part about that is that it’s almost empty,” Njie said. “There’s no more wood, no more vegetation over there. You could already see the trend that in a couple of months or a year’s time they will probably have to move to another location for firewood alone.”

With a new semester beginning, Njie is optimistic and excited about applying what he learned in The Gambia from meetings, conversations, and exploration of solutions to the issues his project plans to address. If you would like to support The Gambia Clean Energy Project most recently named the Janta Energy Project, click here.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookTwitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

Written by Wade Glover

Edited by Dr. Candice Bledsoe

Photography by Mohammed Njie

Mariana Midolo

headshot of Mariana Midolo

Mariana Midolo is a senior at Southern Methodist University working toward a B.S. in Engineering Management Information Systems (EMIS) with a minor in Graphic Design. She is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Student Foundation, and Hegi Career Leaders.

Mariana has also been recognized with the SMU Discovery Scholarship and Second Century Scholarship. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering and exercising. Mariana is keeping her options open for when she completes her undergraduate studies at SMU, but she is excited to see where SMU can take her.

At the Hunt Institute, Mariana is a Creative Designer where she is responsible for implementing the communications strategy of the Institute through the use of Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Her work has included developing the “Pushing Through” theme for the Institute during the Fall 2020 semester.

Mariana was drawn to the Institute for its “values and mission to develop solutions to local and global challenges.” She adds, “My role allows me to gain insight to the hard work and dedication of all the student workers which inspires me every day.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookTwitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

JuliaGrace Walker

JuliaGrace Walker

JuliaGrace Walker is a senior at Southern Methodist University working toward a B.A. in International Studies and a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Spanish. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Reformed University Fellowship, and she also serves as the President of SMU’s Program Council. She has previously served as a Resident Assistant in Boaz Commons and as the President of Boaz Commons Council.

Additionally, JuliaGrace has been recognized with the Rubottom Foreign Service Scholarship. After completing her undergraduate studies at SMU, JuliaGrace hopes to earn a master’s degree in International Development and later pursue a career in the foreign service.

At the Hunt Institute, JuliaGrace is the Undergradute Program Manager. She has also previously served as a Undergraduate Project Manager where she led teams working on projects within the Global Development Lab and used project management best practices to balance the three drivers of a project: time, budget, and scope. Specifically, JuliaGrace was the Undergraduate Project Manager on the Resilient Shelter and Better Building projects in the Institute.

JuliaGrace says she is “motivated by the work we are doing at the Hunt Institute because I know our projects are having broader impacts across the globe.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, FacebookTwitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

Varsha Appaji ’21

Varsha Appaji

Varsha Appaji ’21 is a Research Associate at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Previously, Varsha worked as a Research Analyst in the Hunt Institute.

While Varsha studied at SMU, she found her passion at the place where her three majors intersected: critically evaluating the potential mechanisms that can help alleviate socioeconomic inequality. In the Hunt Institute, she worked as both Co-Lead of the Research Team and an Undergraduate Research Analyst on a project dedicated to analyzing what it takes for an inclusive economy to realistically and sustainably exist. Her work focused on optimizing a database of inclusive economics best practices to create a model of sustainable stakeholder collaboration. She co-authored a proposal for piloting a “Living Labs” model in Dallas geared toward decreasing inequity by improving public safety, sustainable housing, and entrepreneurship opportunities through technology. In addition, she initiated an effort for the Institute to analyze the policy impacts of IoTs, as well as the business case of emerging technologies.

Varsha also has great interest in the potential of emerging technologies. Through her research, she has discovered the vast impacts these technologies can make on agricultural production and access, green energy, emergency response systems, politics, privacy, and more, for better or for worse. Varsha is committed to furthering her study of the effects that technology can have on various aspects of human life. In the long run, she is motivated to one day shape policy that can ensure innovation is for the benefit of all humanity, serving to fill the gap between dominant and subaltern groups.

Varsha spoke about her connection when she worked in the Institute, “…our research is guided by a holistic scope. We look at intersections of industries and innovation so that we can address issues as a system versus as isolated situations. Rather than adding to the information-overload, we learn from established best practices and understand how we can implement their principles to make a realistic local impact.”

Varsha also spent her time at SMU as the Jack C. And Annette K. Vaughn undergraduate fellow of the Tower Center, actively involved in policy and international affairs research. Outside of her academic pursuits, Varsha is a South Indian classically trained singer and she regularly performs throughout the US, often alongside different world music ensembles.

Varsha graduated with a B.S. in Statistical Science, a B.A. in Public Policy, and a B.A. in Economics. She was recognized as an SMU Dean’s Scholar, Pre-Law Scholar, and Discovery Scholar.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookTwitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

Kelsey Shipman ’20

Kelsey Shipman

Kelsey Shipman graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.S. in Economics, Public Policy, and World Languages (Spanish and Arabic) with minors in Math, Computer Science, History, Human Rights, and Public Policy & International Affairs. She was also a member of the O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom Reading Group, the Engaged Learning Advisory Committee, Honors Research Association, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and previously affiliated with the SMU Student Senate and SMU Honor Council.

Kelsey has been recognized as a President’s Scholar, Tower Scholar, Richter Undergraduate Research Fellow, and Mayer Interdisciplinary Research Fellow, including membership in Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Hyer Honor Society. At the Hunt Institute, she was an undergraduate Research Analyst lending her skills in research to several interdisciplinary projects.

After completing her undergraduate studies at SMU, Kelsey is currently working as a Senior Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Board.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookand Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

Sam Borton

Sam Borton, student at Southern Methodist University

Sam Borton is a senior at Southern Methodist University working toward a B.S. in Economics and Statistical Science, as well as a B.A. in Markets & Culture. He is a member of Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity, Reformed University Fellowship, and previously served as Student Facilitator for the Emerging Leaders program and Vice President of Boaz Residential Commons Council.

Sam has been recognized as a Provost Scholar. After completing his undergraduate studies at SMU, he hopes to find a career where he can utilize economic models and data analysis to alleviate poverty. In his free time, Sam enjoys playing sand volleyball, running, and watching sports.

At the Hunt Institute, Sam is an Undergraduate Research Analyst lending his skills in research to several interdisciplinary projects. He is the Co-Lead of the Research Analyst team, where he supports the training and onboarding of new researchers in the Institute. He is also the Data Aggregation Manager on the ImpactMap project team where he performs index research and management; he is also responsible for collecting, organizing, and evaluating data.

Sam’s research focuses on Filling the Gap for Seismic Protection as he researches seismic protection options for informal construction in Lima, Peru. His final report is a market analysis of the low-cost seismic protection market, along with a recommendation for the direction of further research.

When asked what drew Sam to work at the Institute he said, “For me, it is all the potential benefits of the projects of the Institute and the opportunity to work with experts in their fields.”

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookand Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

Sydney Lobato

Sydney Lobato is a junior at Southern Methodist University working toward a B.S. in Engineering Management Information Systems (EMIS) with a minor in Environmental Earth Sciences. At the Hunt Institute, Sydney is an Undergraduate Project Manager where she leads teams working on projects within the Global Development Lab using project management best practices.

Sydney Lobato is a junior at Southern Methodist University working toward a B.S. in Engineering Management Information Systems (EMIS) with a minor in Environmental Earth Sciences. She is also a member of the Hegi Career Leaders Professional Development Program, Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, SMU Women’s Club Volleyball, and Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Sydney has been recognized as a Distinguished Scholar and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and has been awarded the Discovery Scholarship, SMU Honor-Roll High Distinction, American Athletic Conference Athlete Honor Roll, and Academic Distinction for Pi Beta Phi. After completing her undergraduate studies at SMU, she hopes to complete the MBA program connected with the EMIS major at SMU. She wants to incorporate the study of space exploration and sustainability practices in future studies or jobs.

At the Hunt Institute, Sydney is an Undergraduate Project Manager where she leads teams working on projects within the Global Development Lab using project management best practices to balance the three drivers of a project: time, budget, and scope.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookTwitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

Manuela Murillo attends Goldman Sachs Leadership Summit

Hunt Institute student-worker, Manuela Murillo, proudly represented her Hispanic community at the 2nd annual Goldman Sachs Hispanic Leadership Summit last semester. The two-day networking and skill-building event attracted more than 1,000 applicants from across the country, but the opportunity was extended to only 50 young scholars.

At the Leadership Summit, Murillo was able to hear from industry leaders while networking with other ambitious undergrads. Through her workshops and seminars, Murillo developed important leadership skills and strong relationships with employees at Goldman Sachs.

“Maybe I’m not going to immediately work there after graduation, but I’ll know people there,” Murillo said regarding her experience.

View of New York City from the Goldman<br /> Sachs Hispanic Leadership Summit. Photo by Manuela Murillo.
View of New York City from the Goldman Sachs Hispanic Leadership Summit. Photo by Manuela Murillo.

Colombian-born Murillo was first made aware of the summit when a member of the Lyle Board of Trustees mentioned the opportunity. Murillo’s passion for making strong connections motivated her to apply for the event, although she was initially hesitant due to her lack of a financial background.

“I just applied,” Murillo admitted. “I’m not a finance major and I’ve never built a financial model before.”

Upon applying, however, she learned that 48% of the people Goldman Sachs hires are STEM majors while only 30% are business majors.

“Study engineering and you can do anything!” Murillo exclaimed.

Students mingling at the Goldman Sachs Hispanic Leadership Summit. Video by Manuela Murillo.

As a junior at SMU, Murillo is pursuing degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. Her dedication to promoting STEM practices and education inspired Murillo to become President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), a community service program involving mentorship, STEM workshops, and math tutoring for students in underprivileged areas of Dallas.

“We really preach professional, leadership, and personal development,” Murillo stated. “We like to fill those gaps where, yes you are going to your engineering classes, but that is not enough.”

With several internships under her belt at companies like BMW and AT&T, Murillo has leaped into the professional world determined to enhance her professional experience and enact positive change in the world.

Murillo now works as a Student Project Manager at the Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity helping to develop and scale different transformational initiatives. Murillo’s leadership skills and passion for bettering the world through STEM initiatives have made her a vital team member at the Hunt Institute.

Spring 2019 Semester Update

Spring 2019

As we near the end of the second semester, the Hunt Institute is proud to highlight some of our student’s accomplishments from this academic year.

Varsha Appaji

Varsha has been working on a project dedicated to analyzing an inclusive economy and has discovered a great interest in the Internet of Things. This summer, Varsha will be interning in Washington DC.

Cullen Blanchfield

Cullen is currently making several videos for the Hunt Institute, including one about Evie-in-a-box to be used by educators in different countries.

Ryan Brook

This semester, Ryan worked on establishing a Project Management Organizational structure at the Institute. He is graduating this spring and has accepted a job at Hunt Oil Company.

Anna Grace Carey

This semester, Anna Grace was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Additionally, Anna Grace was chosen as the Division of Journalism’s outstanding senior for writing and editing and was awarded with the John Goodwin Tower award. Anna Grace has accepted an offer to work as an associate at Sendero.

Daniel Dewan

Daniel has been working on the technological elements of the Hunt Institute’s web presence. Recently, Daniel has become an official member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Sienna Dugan

This February, Sienna received the 2018 Hope Award from Mending Kids, a testament to her dedication to making the world a brighter place.

Cole DeYoung

This semester, Cole has been working a project manager for one of the Hunt Institute’s exciting new projects. She plans to intern this summer at Mu Sigma, a consulting firm in New York City.

Alejandro Dominguez Garcia

At the Hunt Institute, Alejandro has been working as a project manager for one of the Institute’s exciting new projects. This summer, Alejandro plans to work as an integrated supply chain intern at NextEra Energy in Florida.

Gabrielle Gonzales

This spring, Gabrielle traveled to Guatemala with the International Esperanza Project, an organization based out of Dallas that provides free comprehensive medical clinics. Beyond her research at the Hunt Institute, Gabrielle has been working directly with the director of the Title IX office to shape future efforts and initiatives focused on Sexual Assault on campus.

Tristan Knotts

This semester, Tristan was honored with Lyle’s Outstanding Senior Award and has been nominated for SMU’s Outstanding Senior Award. Currently, he is working as a project manager at the Hunt Institute and oversees all student-driven projects. Tristan has also spent the year serving as SMU’s Chief Information Officer of the Student Advisory Board.

 Kyle Kolosziej

As a first-year student, Kyle has become heavily involved in the University. He currently holds leadership roles in Theta Tau and Mustang Fitness Club and is a member of Phi Delta Theta, Best Buddies and SMU Club Soccer. This summer, Kyle will be working with AGCO as a data analyst.

Kelly Little

Earlier this semester, Kelly was presented with the Kappa Kappa Gamma Academic Excellence award. Proving that she was is worthy of such an honor, Kelly plans to work as a medical assistant at the top plastic surgery office in New York City this summer.

Liam Lowsley-Williams

This year, Liam has been working as a teaching assistant for Data Structures in the Computer Science department. Liam plans to intern as a software engineer this summer at McKinsey & Company in NYC. 

Caroline Matthews

Caroline will spend the summer interning in London, England. She plans to start a food blog to share her culinary adventures abroad with her family and friends. Already looking forward to next year, Caroline plans to start a tax internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the spring of 2020.

Mitchell Morrison

This year, Mitchell received a spot on the honor roll with high distinction and is now a candidate for the Fulbright Commission. Mitchell has become very involved at SMU, serving as a team co-lead for Consult Your Community and joining the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity as well as the Society of Physics Students.

Andrea Nguyen

Throughout the semester, Andrea has conducted research on Blockchain technology and its cross-industry usage. Andrea has been invited to be a Foreign Service Institute intern with the US State Department.

Cydney Snyder

This semester, Cydney chaired a fundraiser benefitting Genesis Women’s Shelter and the One Love Foundation that raised over $126,000. At the Hunt Institute, she has developed a curriculum for a three-day summer camp focused on STEM education in rural areas. Continuing her passion for education, Cydney has accepted the opportunity to work as a teacher with Teach for America in Kansas City, Kansas.  

Jaclyn Soria

Jaclyn joined the Hunt Institute as a marketing specialist this semester and has been working on branding for the Institute’s exciting new projects. This summer, she plans to stay in Dallas and work on the Institute’s website.

Wilkie Stevenson

As a student senator for the Lyle school of engineering, Wilkie is committed to his many projects. Currently, he is developing a STEM kit series for all ages and has a patent pending for a wall-mounted wireless charger.

Javier Destarac ’20

Javier Destarac
Javier A. Destarac graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.A. in Markets and Cultures. 
 
Javier was born in McAllen, Texas but grew up in Tyler, Texas to a multicultural family speaking Spanish at home and English in school. He enjoys learning from new cultures and helping others. Javier has experience in working in marketing over this past summer in his most recent internship, doing research in digital media at NYU. 
 
Javier worked with the communications team to develop and market Impact Nights as well as the marketing strategy of the Hunt Institute. In the future, he hopes to translate his work in the Hunt Institute to a career in Marketing while continuing to spread awareness for sustainability across all platforms. Javier also would like to continue his hobbies of playing tennis, playing the piano, volunteering.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedInFacebookand Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.