Job Title Director, K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center
K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center
The K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center strategically identifies compelling challenges and associated scientific knowledge gaps in resource-constrained communities, then addresses them through academic innovation to create and translate transformative technologies.
Our Approach
There are billions of people in resource-constrained communities around the world who need high-performance, low-cost technical innovations to address unrelenting threats to their livelihood, health, and well-being. The Yang GEAR Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of academic researchers and staff engineers to assess today’s most pressing challenges and launch in-depth basic-science research projects in three critical areas: water, energy, and food solutions; climate-change mitigation and adaptation; and global-health technologies.
Center staff provide guidance to ensure that innovations are geared to adoption while overseeing the design and implementation of prototypes and field pilots. Through partnerships with stakeholders that know the socioeconomic conditions of the targeted market space—end users, manufacturers, governments, local organizations that conduct large-scale field trials, and industry leaders positioned for commercialization—our innovations are translated into products and services for the real world. These include solar-powered, brackish-water desalination systems using electrodialysis; low-energy, solar-powered drip-irrigation systems for small-holder and marginal farmers worldwide; and prosthetic feet and knees designed for individuals in developing countries.
Director
Our Research
Center research projects focus on three core areas: water, energy, and food solutions; climate-change mitigation and adaptation; and global-health technologies. Across these areas, the center is advancing a portfolio of projects at different stages of development, from early-stage discovery to translational implementation.
Water, Energy, Food Solutions
We are developing low-energy, solar-powered drip irrigation and brackish-water desalination systems to combat water stress, climate change, and food demand. Our solutions support rural communities worldwide while preparing resilient infrastructure for climate-driven migration.
Climate Change Mitigation And Adaptation
The Yang GEAR Center is advancing hydrogen storage tanks for industries like long-haul trucking to support clean-fuel adoption, and researching carbon capture solutions to help mitigate climate change.
Global Health Technologies
With Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, we are redesigning the Jaipur Foot for affordable mass production in developing countries. Our team is also leading the design and development of medical devices for low- and middle-income countries.