Mention engineering, and people envision professionals in white coats working with technical equipment and materials from a well-stocked supply room. But what happens when the engineering has to take place in an undeveloped area, working with native materials and only the supplies you bring in? What do you do when the nearest Radio Shack is thousands of miles away, and you barely have cell service?

Engineers around the world face these challenges as they work to solve important problems and increase the economy, health, safety and independence of lesser developed communities. Recently, Boise State faculty joined in an effort to build a food processing facility in a remote village in Sierra Leone. Facing jungle heat, bad roads, illness and language obstacles, they worked with local workers to develop and construct a facility that would employ villagers and provide a cash flow to the community. Hear about the challenges and opportunities encountered in this big adventure.