Paige Balcom

Co-Founder & CTO at Takataka Plastics
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Uganda, UG
Languages
  • Spanish Elementary proficiency
  • Acholi Elementary proficiency

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Bio

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Credentials

  • PhD in Engineering
    University of California, Berkeley
    May, 2022
    - Oct, 2024
  • Certified SolidWorks Associate
    SolidWorks-CADCAMCIM Inc.
    Dec, 2012
    - Oct, 2024
  • Human Centered Design
    NovoEd
    Aug, 2015
    - Oct, 2024
  • 2016 - 2017 Fulbright Scholarship Finalist
    U.S. Department of State

Experience

  • Takataka Plastics
    • Uganda
    • Construction
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Co-Founder & CTO
      • Jan 2020 - Present

      Takataka is locally transforming plastic waste in Uganda into quality, affordable construction materials. We’re creating jobs, improving the environment and public health, and closing a loop in the circular economy. Takataka (meaning “waste” in Swahili) is providing a recycling service that currently does not exist, creating income opportunities for the marginalized, and reducing environmental and health hazards in places where waste is currently burned or littered. We are developing ground-breaking technology to safely process plastic waste in Uganda, changing people’s mindsets about plastic waste from untouchable, dirty “rubbish” to a potential resource impacting their environment, and creating opportunities for healing for trauma survivors. Show less

  • Fulbright Association
    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 400 - 500 Employee
    • Researcher
      • Sep 2016 - Jul 2017

      Received a Fulbright grant to research the cultural, technical, and economic viability of aquaponics in Uganda. I partnered with an NGO in northern Uganda where I built two aquaponic systems for their vocational school and taught the farmers how to run the systems. While living with the students and staff at the school in a hut with no electricity in the village of Lukodi, I came to know and love the Ugandan people and culture and understand the daily challenges of village life. I also visited refugee camps for South Sudanese people fleeing civil war. Show less

  • UNH ECenter (Peter T. Paul Entrepreneurship Center)
    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Summer Seed Grant Recipient
      • Jun 2016 - Aug 2016

      Learned about entrepreneurship, developed a business model, and designed a home aquaponic garden for the U.S. market to provide a revenue stream for OASIS aquaponic systems for communities in need. Learned about entrepreneurship, developed a business model, and designed a home aquaponic garden for the U.S. market to provide a revenue stream for OASIS aquaponic systems for communities in need.

  • OASIS
    • United States
    • Internet Publishing
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Co Founder
      • Aug 2015 - Aug 2016

      Co-founded OASIS (Optimizing Aquaponic Systems to Improve Sustainability), the first international capstone project in the UNH mechanical engineering department. We developed an aquaponic system using recycled materials and CFD analysis to create a less expensive, more energy efficient design than traditional systems. Over 8 months, we raised over $30,000 and conducted an assessment trip to our pilot location in Uvita, Costa Rica. We received 1st place in the UNH Undergraduate Research Conference Ocean Engineering track, 3rd prize in the UNH Social Venture Innovation Challenge, and 3rd place in the semifinals of the UNH Holloway Innovation-to-Market Competition. We developed a business model to make OASIS sustainable, presented our research at the International Social Innovation Research Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. OASIS continues as a senior capstone project for current UNH students. Show less

  • University of New Hampshire
    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Research Intern
      • Jan 2015 - May 2016

      Analyzed material specimens using 3D DIC imaging technology in UNH's Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing lab. Analyzed material specimens using 3D DIC imaging technology in UNH's Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing lab.

  • Engineers Without Borders
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • President
      • Sep 2012 - Dec 2015

      President (2014-2015) Guide chapter, oversee projects in Uganda and Peru, recruit and train members, obtain funding, seek new mentors Project Leader (2013-14) Manage and implement water project in Uganda, coordinate technical report writing. Travel to Uganda January 2014. President (2014-2015) Guide chapter, oversee projects in Uganda and Peru, recruit and train members, obtain funding, seek new mentors Project Leader (2013-14) Manage and implement water project in Uganda, coordinate technical report writing. Travel to Uganda January 2014.

  • Washington Internships for Students of Engineering
    • Technology Policy Intern
      • May 2015 - Aug 2015

      Interned in an engineering and public policy program sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Published research paper on irrigation and aquaponic technologies used to increase agricultural yields in developing nations. Interned in an engineering and public policy program sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Published research paper on irrigation and aquaponic technologies used to increase agricultural yields in developing nations.

  • DAAD RISE
    • Research Intern
      • May 2014 - Aug 2014

      Performed research on nonholonomic robots at Leibniz Universität in Hannover, Germany. Programmed a Quanser Qbot using MATLAB Simulink and experienced German culture. Performed research on nonholonomic robots at Leibniz Universität in Hannover, Germany. Programmed a Quanser Qbot using MATLAB Simulink and experienced German culture.

  • HydroComp, Inc
    • United States
    • Environmental Services
    • Engineering Intern
      • Sep 2013 - May 2014

      Built software applications with Visual Basic and Rhino CAD. Built software applications with Visual Basic and Rhino CAD.

  • Inventioneers Etc., LLC
    • Co Founder
      • 2010 - 2013

      Co-created an anti-distracted driving device, successfully filed for a US utility patent, performed pilot study at MIT, featured on ABC's television show Shark Tank. Co-created an anti-distracted driving device, successfully filed for a US utility patent, performed pilot study at MIT, featured on ABC's television show Shark Tank.

Education

  • University of California, Berkeley
    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Mechanical Engineering, emphasis Development Engineering, minor Design
    2017 - 2022
  • University of New Hampshire
    Bachelor of Science (BS), Mechanical Engineering, minor Applied Math
    2012 - 2016
  • Fulbright Wales Summer Institute
    2014 - 2014
  • Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
    Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Mechanical Engineering
    2014 - 2014

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