In order to make the training efficient as possible, Gerald Hitzler, Makara Mean, Lytour Lor, Dyna Theng and I met to discuss how the training would be conducted. I designed the schedule and training materials while we all collectively chose dates, venue and a made up a mailing list. We had 36 students to teach, […]
I had the privilege of being invited to the 5th International Rice Congress in Singapore from the 15th to the 17th of October at the world famous Marina Bay Sands complex. It was a fantastic experience. There were many keynote speakers from different backgrounds and these informative talks took place in the mornings with […]
On September 25th 2018, more than a year after graduating from NUI Galway, I left Ireland for Cambodia to resume work on 3D printing and it’s potential benefits for agricultural machinery. This time I’d be based at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. The project would be similar to the one […]
A survey was done to assess the possibility of a 3D printing business model to support smallholder farmers in the Philippines. Methodologies included garnishing structured feedback from workshops, repair specialists, spare part distributors and research bodies. 3D printing services could reduce the waiting time for spare parts, easing pressure on workshops, engineers, and contractors. In […]
Now is a good time to assess results from the recent IRRI/NUI Galway project that also formed part of my thesis. After a few days off, some fresh thoughts on the project and subsequent results could be broken down and assessed. Firstly, a list of machinery involved in two stages of rice production were accumulated […]
One word describes the last twelve months of my life. A rollercoaster! It’s been a great year and it only felt like yesterday when we began our MSc CCAFS course last September. This day last year I was in Germany (having spent the previous 10 months there) working long hours trying to make enough to […]
After a busy two weeks putting the finishing touches to the thesis, digital copies and printed versions were submitted. My NUI Galway supervisors had sent me edits and various comments on the 5th of August. Considerable time was spent integrating these and after a few days house keeping and proof reading the thesis numerous times […]
After a busy 2 months with IRRI, I managed to fit a trip to Hong Kong in before I headed home for Ireland, The trip was organised many weeks ago and I almost had to pull out at the last minute. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had a decision to make the evening before we […]
On the 20th of July my time at IRRI sadly came to an end. Outstanding project work was completed and a trip report sent to Martin Gummert, my IRRI supervisor. I felt an emptiness throughout my final days. I knew I would miss IRRI and the Philippines quite a bit! Some of the experiences I’ve […]
The final two visits of my trip here in the Philippines concluded with the Metal Industry Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) in Taguig City and Grain Pro Inc, Subic Bay. The purpose of the MIRDC visit was in relation to the joint proposal by the MIRDC, IRRI, Phil Rice, Phil Mech and Omnifab on funding for a […]