Class Project Nets Gates Foundation Grant
A project for an introductory engineering course has resulted in a $100,000 Gates Foundation grant for three Smith students.
With support from the grant, Christine Yee ’17, Darpan Bohara ’18 and Yashna Sureka ’17 will develop a fingerprint authorization system that will allow merchants in Nelamangala, India, to accept non-cash purchases from customers. Connected with cell phones and integrated with a national government database, the system will reduce transaction costs, increase financial literacy, and provide people with incentives for opening bank accounts that will allow them to save toward financial goals.
From Ms. Clements:
"Christine Yee is a South City and APUSH alum that I want to celebrate and share her success with our current students and other alumni!
This project and grant is an exciting opportunity for her and her fellow recipients. I love this story, not only because it's about a former student, but it focuses on innovation by women to solve a problem on the global stage. It also show the power of a liberal arts education."
Congratulations to Christine and her colleagues on this project! South City is proud of you!
