School of Public Policy grad students Aline Banboukian and Andrew Hanus were recent award winners at the Career, Research, and Innovation Development Conference (CRIDC) poster competition. Aline won the tier one sponsor award from Vantiv. Her poster was titled “The Effects of Financing Mechanisms on Electricity Development: Case Study Rwanda." Her research is a descriptive analysis that tries to understand the effects of financing mechanisms on electricity development projects. Her research focuses on three main projects implemented in Rwanda. She uses comparison contrast and literature review from her research to assess the projects and different mechanisms used. The first part of Aline’s research shows that sustainable energy generation could access more financing types with looser constraints and greater donor interest compared to non-renewable. Furthermore, the type of investment mechanism - grant, loan, equity or mezzanine - has a substantial impact on the cost and duration of the project. Aline is currently working with Dr. Thomas on the second phase of the project.

Andrew’s award was part of the CRIDC’s Graduate Education and Faculty Development category which also includes travel funding. His poster was titled: “Racing Towards Self-Driving Cars? Assessment of the DARPA Grand Challenge Program”. Andrew’s research looks at the genesis and evolution of an innovation policy and how it catalyzed the autonomous vehicle industry we are see today. His research is a semi-structured interview that consists of his conversations with over 40 people involved or impacted by the events. Additionally, his research measures impact by the following categories: Technology; Warfighter; Industry; Education; and Policy. The preliminary findings demonstrated in his poster indicate that this policy mechanism was advantageous for this specific technology dimension, and greatly accelerated the pace of innovation. Andrew’s research is ongoing will conclude this year.