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Laura Hosman
Associate Professor, SolarSPELL Founder and Co-Director, Global Technology & Development
Laura Hosman is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), where she also serves as the Co-Director of SolarSPELL, a project focused on creating solar-powered digital libraries for use in remote areas. Her research primarily investigates the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in developing countries, with a focus on its impact on socio-cultural factors, human development, and economic growth.1
Academic Background and Career
- Education: Hosman holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Public Policy and an M.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California (USC). She also earned an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam while studying on a Fulbright Scholarship.1
- Previous Positions: Before joining ASU, she held academic roles at institutions such as California Polytechnic State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley. Her international experience includes fieldwork in various countries including Haiti, Fiji, and Rwanda.12
Research and Teaching
Hosman's work emphasizes experiential learning, engaging students in project-based courses that involve real-world applications. Her notable project, the SolarSPELL, has been implemented in over 395 primary schools and health clinics across the Pacific Islands and East Africa. This initiative aims to provide localized educational resources to communities lacking reliable internet access.12
Areas of Expertise
Her research interests encompass:
- ICT for Development (ICT4D)
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Public Policy
- Renewable Energy
- Technology in Education
She has received multiple awards for her contributions to teaching and research and has published extensively in academic journals related to technology and development.1
Current Courses
At ASU, she teaches courses related to global technology and development, humanitarian engineering projects, and special topics in engineering.1
Overall, Laura Hosman is recognized for her commitment to integrating technology with international development efforts, fostering student engagement through innovative educational practices.
