I2D Lab expo set to promote collaborations on global sustainable development goals

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Global Programs and Partnerships in Engineering on Thursday (March 29) and Friday (March 30) will host a conference to present what is happening with potential partners and collaborators to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (aka Global Goals).

The I2D Lab Global Programs and Partnerships in Engineering will start at 3 p.m. Thursday with a faculty and student research poster reception, followed by poster judging from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. A “Tribute to Calestous Juma" will be at 7 p.m., followed by the awarding of prizes at 7:15 p.m.

The event continues Friday with several breakout sessions and keynote addresses featuring Julie Barrett O’Brien of Barrett Global Strategies, Maurizio Vecchione of Global Good and Shirley Pazos of Soluciones Practices.

The event is free, and all faculty, students and staff are invited.

 Friday’s schedule will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be held in Neil Armstrong Hall’s rooms 3326 and 1103.

In 3326, Friday’s sessions include:

• Human Centered Design Applied to Systems Thinking for Global Health Solutions. 9:30-10:20 a.m.

• Innovation Science Applied to Project Design: 10:30-11:20 a.m.

In 1103, sessions include:

• Engineering Solutions for Drivers of Conflict. 9:30-10:20 a.m.

• Engineering Education & Technology; Platform with Applied Engineering; Projects for Vulnerable Student Groups. 10:30-11:20 a.m.

The I2D Lab specifically focuses on engaging faculty and students to develop engineering solutions to the grand challenges of the 21st century, said Andrea Burniske, program manager for the I2D Lab.

“We are cutting across the established boundaries of Purdue’s engineering and related disciplines to incorporate all the necessary perspectives. We’re taking advantage of our own diverse make-up, and we’re equipping our students with the capacity lead change in a global environment.,” she said.