Long-time BDL friend and colleague Charlie Sellers was here from August 22-30 to work with staff members Gavin Ray and Eve Decamp on the ELS (Extended Life Stove) project. Charlie has been active in development engineering for the last 12 years, following a successful career in new product development and manufacturing. He is an accomplished inventor, and has been engaged on projects for the Gates Foundation, the Peace Corps, the Shell Foundation, Engineers without Boarders, and other institutions dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. He came out to BDL because he believes in our work and wants to help us make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

While at BDL, Charlie worked with the ELS team to expand on the methodology for evaluating ceramics and refractories as candidates for combustion chamber materials. While Charlie was here numerous ceramic samples were made, cured, fired, and tested (which often means broken!). Charlie has a PhD in Material Science and Engineering, so it was a great benefit to the team and to the project to have his help. Charlie will continue to provide support to the ELS team by communicating via email and video conferencing from his home in Geneva, Switzerland. Please join us in thanking Charlie for all he has contributed to BDL!