Interdisciplinary approach to a multi-phase engineering project for the developing community of araypallpa, PERU

The student chapter of Engineers Without Borders at the University of California, Santa Barbara (EWB-UCSB) has been engaged in an engineering project with the community of Araypallpa, Peru since February 2004. Implemented in phases, the project included installation of a solar panel at the community's school, construction of a pilot slow sand filter to purify the community's domestic water supply, establishment of the community's health baseline, and assessment of future needs. The project team members come from a diverse background including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, industrial engineering, chemical engineering, environmental science, geography, physics, biotechnology, film studies, and social anthropology. The team includes undergraduate and graduate students, professional mentors, and staff advisors. This paper presents an engineering service-learning project conducted by a multidisciplinary group of students and mentors on a solely volunteer basis. The main goals of the project, achievements, concepts incorporated, and lessons learned during the last two years are described. Funding, including budget and fundraising efforts, are also briefly described.