Drew Durbin - Grand Challenge Stories

Division of EngineeringBox DProvidence, RI 02912401 863-2673Fax 401 863-1157I write on behalf of Drew Durbin.March 1, 2010, 2010Drew Durbin did two independent studies with me when he was an undergraduate at Brown. Hewas also a student in my course “Managerial Decision-Making”. Since he graduated, we havetalked often about his various projects. He is assisting in my appropriate technology course bymentoring a group of students working on a project based on his water roller efforts. I feel Iknow him well.Mr. Durbin was a very strong student in the course. His final examination grade was probably inthe top 10% of a large class. He earned an A- his business pal and did excellent work with hisshort papers (homework). He attended an optional business simulation session. It was clear hemastered the content of the course, that he writes clearly, and that he can deal with numberseffectively. His final grade was A (High Distinction).I was very pleased with the independent studies. The first was a business plan for a recyclingcompany. The second was for an innovative window blind that reflected sunlight on a photovoltaicstrip. The technological problem, of course, was tracking the sun. Both studies,especially the second showed a good deal of independent thought. The designs were technicallysound. In the latter he paid a good deal of attention to manufacturing.As you can see, the present project is rooted in the work he did as an undergraduate. He hasspent significant time in Tanzania both working on the project and learning about thecommunity. I am thoroughly convinced the project is worthwhile. I have spent some time ineast and southern Africa and have seen the implications of a scarcity of clean water. We havediscussed the problem and I know Drew understands the needs, both immediate and cultural. Hemade a presentation to the class last week. He was inspiring and he demonstrated thecombination of energy and humility needed to succeed in projects like his.I enjoy talking with him. He is enthusiastic and good-natured. He has many good ideas. He iscooperative and makes use of suggestions. He is willing to listen. He has a genuine concern forother people and is willing to work hard to accomplish remediation. It is clear why communitymembers like him and are willing to work with him.I am very pleased and impressed with how the promise he showed as an undergraduate is beingrealized. He is accomplishing important things. I have no doubt he will do much more.Drew Durbin is very able. He is a sensible and mature young man. I recommend him mosthighly.

Sincerely,/s/ Barrett HazeltineBarrett HazeltineProfessor of Engineering