Current Projects

Objectives:

1. Map current formal and informal structures, water and electricity provisions to reduce slums and meet goals of  UN SDG 11 (Sustainable Urban Development).

2. Develop sustainable transport plans to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.

3. Create sustainable zoning maps following land assessment.

4. Develop better air quality monitoring in Gabarone and Francistown to measure PM 2.5/10 and GHG emissions.

5. Develop a climate resilience / preparedness strategy.

TESTIMONIALS

EEA partner, Ms. Setoboli summarized our progress as follows:

• A significant shift towards evidence-based planning led to the inclusion of the Housing system in the National Development Plan, addressing data gaps and linking to local authorities.

• The Housing Policy is under review, aligning with the Administration's priorities, with data management, monitoring, and evaluation as key foci.

• The drones project, has not had its data analyzed and requires re-engagement to understand the issue and build capacity.

• Stakeholder engagement has strengthened. A strong team has been built.

Objectives:

1. Identify and develop site for relocation and operations of SZA with a shared governance/operations model.

2. Establish joint research, training and development programs between partner universities towards long term and sustainable capacity in Morocco and surrounding regions.

3. Ensure community development that uplifts the non-research community regionally and nationally.

4. Develop a sustainable funding model that holistically supports the R&D and community development.

TESTIMONIALS

EEA partner, Dr. Moulane summarized our progress as follows:

• Two sites have already been identified near USMS and we have mastered site characterization using NASA's MERA-5 data.

• Next we will begin in situ measurements of the site's atmospheric conditions and build a water vapor radiometer which will be a new capability for us.

EEA partner Dr. Carlstrom notes that

• These telescopes did cutting-edge cosmology by observing the Sunyayev Zeldovich effect but have been dormant since funding for their operations ended.  I am excited to see them reborn as part of this new project with which we will partner with colleagues in the US and Morocco to map the transient Universe & the molecular gas in the Milky Way.  

Objectives:

1. Build human capacity for next generation of R&D for a better planet by creating sustainable and resilient partnerships between US + Europe and developing countries in Africa and Asia.

2. Prevent brain drain from developing countries.

3. Develop mutual understanding of R&D cultures in different countries with slow immersion and limited exchanges of students and faculty between nations.

4. Focus on building global norms for R&D excellence, professional development of talent, adherance to shared principles of integrity and ethics.

TESTIMONIALS

Mr. Takalani (Chief Director: Astronomy, DSTI, South Africa)

• The program founded by Dr. Sheth and built in partnership with NRAO was invaluable in empowering students from underserved backgrounds in becoming part of the next generation of leaders in R&D. 

• The model for this program is excellent because it avoids parachute science and the usual pitfalls of old colonial roles and instead empowered faculty and students to develop R&D programs on par with world leaders.  

Dr. Loubser (North-West University Potechstroom)

• Collaborating through this program created truly meaningful research opportunities for our students and faculty. The partnership with Princeton University and NASA demonstrated how equitable international collaboration can empower young scientists in Africa to contribute at the highest levels of research. This initiative has laid the groundwork for lasting scientific and human connections that will continue to grow. The impact will resonate far beyond a single project.