Written by: Jeffrey Wade, Yngrid Marques, Shaidu Shaban, and Dan Wang
On April 24th, 2020, EMPOWER had the distinct pleasure of hosting Dr. Kristin Doughty of the University of Rochester for an interactive seminar with trainees. As a distinguished scholar in the fields of Rwandan ethnography and post-genocide reconciliation, Dr. Doughty provided trainees with an opportunity to engage with the cultural background of the African nation in preparation for EMPOWER’s International Field Course. The seminar covered a broad scope of topics, ranging from the role of grassroots courts in facilitating reconstruction to Dr. Doughty’s extensive experience performing research in Rwanda. EMPOWER trainees were particularly interested in the interaction of the KivuWatt methane extraction facility and the attitudes of Rwandans directly impacted by its construction and operation.
EMPOWER and its trainees remain dedicated to pursuing interdisciplinary research topics at the nexus of water and energy. Dr. Doughty’s informative seminar represents a fulfillment of this mission, particularly through her insight into the relationship between energy generation and the interests of local Rwandan communities.