Affiliations

University of Michigan
    College of Engineering
    Multidisciplinary Design Program
    Taubman College of Architecture   
    School of Art & Design
    Ross School of Business  
    Barger Leadership Institute
    English Language Institute 
    Ginsberg Center
    International Institute
    Davis Foundation
    E-MAGINE
    International Project Collaborative
    LS&A Honors Program
Community partner organizations
    Jaguar Ecological Reserve
    SESC Pantanal 
    SEDUC (Secretary of Education of Mato Grosso)
    Mato Grosso Secretary of Health
    Instituto Federal de Educação Tecnologia e Ciência - Mato Grosso
    Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso
    Colégio de Nazaré
Other Partners
    Focus Conservation Fund
    Focus Tours

Founders

Ethan Shirley is interested in integrating science, technology, and sustainable community development in third-world countries. Ethan is fluent in Portuguese, and has been going to this area in Brazil for eight years. 
He graduated from the University of Michigan with an Anthropology and Zoology major, and a minor in Paleontology.
 
Julie Bateman is interested in the exchange of ideas, opportunities, and services between rural and urban areas. And especially how this exchange can ameliorate a region's environment and its population's well-being. Julie studied Civil Engineering and Natural Resource Studies at the University of Michigan; she is conversational in Portuguese.
News‎ > ‎

May 8 - 9 : Rest of team arrives in Brazil!

posted May 9, 2012, 3:52 PM by Julie Bateman   [ updated May 9, 2012, 3:53 PM ]
Flying over the Pantanal

We are now numbering thirteen in the Pantanal! After a relatively relaxing 23 hour trip from Detroit, and only one false landing by the plane in Cuiabá, everyone and almost everyone's baggage is here. We were a bit concerned with some of our luggage, particularly the fragile solar panel that landed up on the ground inside the conveyer belt of the Sao Paulo airport. Also of concern was the internet system, which looks like a second grader's attempt at making a bomb. Customs in Sao Paulo consists of walking by a guy who sometimes gives your dirty looks, and then contemplates pulling you aside, which fortunately he did not.

The entire crew of thirteen spent the night at Pousada Pantaneira, our favorite place right near the Transpantaneira. We had a traditional dinner of espetos which are typically sticks of delicious steak, chicken, pork, or sausage, also available in cheese for vegetarians.


TV Reporter showed up on our doorstep earlier on the first morning we all arrived. From Left to right: Reporter, Cory VonAchen, Greg Ewing, Alistair Hayden, Chris Hannaford, Julie Bateman, Belazinha, Ethan ShirleyThe next day, a reporter showed up at our doorstep for quick interview about our work and plans for the summer, who knows we might be famous in the municipality of Poconé or maybe even in the state of Mato Grosso! We then set out for errands. The Kombi as always needs more love - this time she wanted two new tires after one broke and the spare was found to be flat. We set off on foot for a few errands to the construction store; most of the big materials (cement, sand, gravel, etc) are already on order and should arrive to site in the near future.

The water systems team took off for the Pantanal at about 3 PM today, and the water tower team is staying on more night in Poconé. Next post, will be more about these towers!

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