The Blum Center invites applications from individuals interested in joining the Center as Senior Visiting Fellows.
The Center leverages the talent, enthusiasm, and energy of the University of California, Berkeley community to address important societal challenges. With faculty from over 70 departments and students from over 50 majors, our interdisciplinary center facilitates a robust research, education and training portfolio that applies technology, innovation and leadership to make positive change in the U.S. and globally.
The Blum Center’s programs include educational offerings in Development Engineering (a professional Masters and designated emphasis for doctoral students), the Digital Transformation of Development (DToD) Fellowship funded by a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) grant, and the Big Ideas@Berkeley, a social impact innovation program which challenges students to dream big about how they might change the world and then through a year-long process of advising, mentorship, and seed funding to set students up for entrepreneurial success.
Applications from Senior fellows with the ability to bridge and translate between the classroom and outside academia for real-world impact are particularly encouraged. Senior Fellows should have at least a decade of experience in areas related to Blum Center strategic priorities. We invite senior fellows from the private sector, public sector, startups, academic institutions (e.g. sabbatical posts), or government entities.
Danny Wilson is a leading global expert in the use of sensors and data science to enhance development outcomes. He envisions a future where Internet of Things (IoT) sensor-equipped aid, products, and infrastructure transform the development landscape. Such instrumentation opens the door to innovative financial models, including quantified results-based financing, pay-per-use, and pay-per-impact mechanisms. Frustrated with the prevalence of broken, under-utilized, and ineffective development projects, Danny advocates for a more data-driven approach. In his ideal future, instead of funding the construction of yet another soon-to-be-broken water well, backers would pay per liter of pumped clean water that has been verified through sensor technology.
Danny was the first graduate of UC Berkeley’s Development Engineering Ph.D. program, and he has authored many papers, several book chapters, and a pair of patents on the subject. Since earning his doctorate, Danny has founded three companies, and has aimed to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental health and energy challenges. Currently, Danny wears multiple hats. He serves as the CEO of Geocene, a consultancy specializing in connected-sensor technology and software solutions. He’s also a faculty member in the Development Engineering department at UC Berkeley, where he instructs a course on harnessing sensors and data science for more effective development initiatives.
Gain access to a vibrant community of researchers, students, program partners, and professors working together to advance projects related to technology and social impact
Visiting Fellows are invited to engage in the vibrant intellectual life of the Center and the UC Berkeley campus. Activities might include collaborating with faculty, mentoring students, providing public lectures or guest lectures in classes, pursuing research and participating in conferences and workshops.
Interested visitors should complete the interest form below.
Visiting Fellows are supported through their own funds whenever possible, through a home university, an employer, a private grant-making institution, an individual philanthropist, or a government program i.e. (Fulbright, Foundations, etc.)
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