James Harper
- PhD Graduate
- CIVIL SYSTEMS
- ENGINEERING FOR DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES
Office: SEEC N290
By appointment
Trained as an engineer and experienced as a STEM educator and a licensed professional mechanical design engineer, James focuses on engineering sustainable societies in low-income communities and educating youth in the western world about related topics. James' multi-disciplinary research uses behavioral science and economics theory to investigate how rural households make decisions when their latrine pits fill. James regularly works directly with development practitioners around the world to develop services and products to achieve safe fecal sludge management in rural contexts. In the past, James has worked on infrastructure development projects including community-scale water-treatment systems, solar power systems, and earthquake-resistant housing in rural India. Outside of work, James has volunteered extensively for mountain rescue and ski patrol, and enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, cooking, and traveling.
Education
PhD in Civil Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, expected 2020
MS in Civil Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 2019
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Summa Cum Laude), University of California San Diego, 2008
BS in Mechanical Engineering (Specializations in Computer-Aided Design and Distributed Solar Power Generation), University of California San Diego, 2010
Registrations and Affiliations
Professional Engineer (PE)
California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists
Lead Program Engineer, Engineers with Borders-USA
Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Awards
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention, 2017
Symposium for Sustainable Infrastructure 2, 3rd place poster ($100), 2017
Department of Education Graduate Assistantship in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship, 2016
UC San Diego Mechanical and Aerospace Department Highest Academic Achievement Award, 2008
UC San Diego Mechanical and Aerospace Department Design Award, First Place, 2008
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, 2003 – 2010
Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, 2003 – 2010