49. Using Engineering to Serve Humanity
A Leap of Faith: From Corporate to Nonprofit
Abe's story is a testament to the power of pursuing one's dreams. With a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Messiah University and a master's from the University of Denver, along with 20 years in the medical device sector and 30 US patents to his name, Abe's decision to co-found Design Outreach was a significant leap of faith. As the CTO, he now leads a team of full-time staff and volunteers, including world-class experts, in research and development.
The Early Spark: A Mission-Driven Path
During our conversation, Abe recounted an early experience that shaped his path—a summer ministry trip to Tijuana before his senior year of high school. Witnessing poverty firsthand instilled in him a sense of gratitude and a desire to use his technical skills for a greater purpose. This passion led him to the engineering industry and eventually to his involvement with a water organization in the Central African Republic, sparking the inception of Design Outreach.The Holistic Approach to Education
Overcoming Challenges: The Technical Triumphs of the Life Pump
Abe and I delved into the technical aspects of the Life Pump, which was designed to address the limitations of existing hand pumps. Drawing inspiration from a robust and reliable discontinued progressive cavity pump, the Life Pump was born. Despite initial setbacks during testing in the Central African Republic, collaboration with industry partners and a serendipitous connection with an Ohio pump company led to the successful scaling and implementation of the Life Pump globally.
The Decision Point: Full-Time Commitment to Design Outreach
In 2018, Abe faced a pivotal moment—balancing a growing career at Depuy and the expansion of Design Outreach. After a heartfelt conversation with his wife, he decided to dedicate himself fully to the nonprofit. By 2019, he transitioned to his role as CTO, embracing the uncertainties and rewards that come with such a bold move.
Expanding Horizons: Growth and New Projects
Since committing to Design Outreach, the team has grown significantly, from a two-person R&D team to over 30 members. The organization is now recognized not only for the Life Pump but also as a research and product development firm, expanding into sanitation, medical devices, and global health. This broader vision attracts engineers passionate about making a difference beyond just water access.Conclusion: Education as the Foundation for Change
Raising Standards: Advocating for Reliability
Abe emphasized the importance of setting higher standards for hand pumps, noting that a 90% functionality rate still means a community could be without water for a whole month each year. Design Outreach strives for 98-99% reliability, ensuring water access every single day to help end the cycle of poverty.
A Decade of Impact: Celebrating Ten Years of the Life Pump
We celebrated a milestone during our talk—the ten-year anniversary of the Life Pump's uninterrupted operation in Malawi, a testament to the pump's design and the organization's commitment to sustainable solutions.
Engineering for Humanity: Transferring Skills to Global Health
Abe's background in engineering and medical devices at J&J has been instrumental in his work with Design Outreach. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge in human-centered design and design thinking, which has been crucial in developing products that meet the unique needs of low-income countries.
Joining the Mission: How You Can Get Involved
Design Outreach is always looking for passionate individuals to join their mission. Last year alone, volunteers contributed around 8,200 engineering hours. They offer a fellows program for those interested in leading projects and mentoring staff. For engineers, there are project engineering positions available, and for those specifically interested in the negative pressure wound therapy project, Abe welcomes direct outreach.
