Workshop on ‘Technological Solutions to Disasters Using STEM Kits'
On May 14, 2025, a transformative STEM workshop titled "Technological Solutions to Disasters Using STEM Kits" was conducted at PACE Learning Center, Gaurdaha, West Bengal. The session aimed to foster scientific thinking, enhance safety awareness, and promote digital empowerment among underserved girls living in a region vulnerable to sex trafficking. Led by Dr. Mousiki Kar, the workshop focused on introducing practical, technology-based solutions for disaster resilience while cultivating hands-on problem-solving skills. The event was ably supported by five dedicated IEEE student volunteers who assisted with facilitation and demonstrations. Twenty eight students from Class 8 to 12 participated in the workshop along with nine teachers.
The workshop commenced with an engaging discussion on various natural and man-made disasters—such as earthquakes, floods, gas leaks, and fire hazards—and explored how STEM tools can be leveraged to mitigate their impact. Participants were introduced to six model systems: Earthquake Warning System, Flood Warning System, Gas Leakage Detection, Moisture Sensor System, Solar Street Light, and Automatic Street Light. These examples illustrated how technology can be effectively used for early warning, disaster preparedness, and climate action.
A major highlight of the session was the hands-on component, where students actively built two working prototypes: a Moisture Sensor-Based Flood Alert System and a Gas Sensor-Based Fire/LPG Leakage Detector. Using components like voltage regulators, LEDs, buzzers, and sensors, students experienced first-hand how real-world problems can be addressed through innovative STEM applications.
A post-workshop evaluation reflected enhanced understanding and high levels of engagement among participants. The teachers and staff at PACE Learning Center appreciated the workshop’s relevance and delivery. Vice Principal Ms. Mahashweta Maity and President Mr. Jayanta Chatterjee who were present throughout the workshop expressed their keen interest in future collaborations to sustain this impactful learning journey.
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- Gaurdaha
- Piyali, West Bengal
- India
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- Co-sponsored by IEEE MOVE Outreach India Program and IEEE EDS Center of Excellence
Speakers
Technological Solutions to Disasters Using STEM Kits
Dr. Mousiki Kar is an engineering educator and is currently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Heritage Institute of Technology, India.
She is the Co-ordinator of the ‘IEEE Electron Devices Society Center of Excellence’ funded by IEEE EDS USA. She has served as the Chair of IEEE Electron Devices Society, Kolkata Chapter and is the Immediate Past Chair of IEEE Kolkata Section Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) Group. She is an IEEE STEM Champion and is currently serving in the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board and in the IEEE EDS standing committee, Women in Electron Devices (WiED).
From teaching the native language to her school Principal in her kindergarten days to teaching college students now, her journey has been a pursuit of passion. She has been the recipient of the University Gold Medal both in her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Engineering and went on to take up her passion as a profession. The joy of beholding the sparkle in a student’s eyes on learning a new concept is what drives her to teach even beyond the walls of her undergraduate classroom. She has reached out to local schools and NGOs to spread her love for STEM and encourage the future generation to take up science and technology as a career and has been named the 2021 IEEE STEM Ambassador.
Her research interests include Analog/Mixed Signal Circuits. She has published several research papers in refereed journals and in international conferences. She has received several awards and grants which include an international grant from AICTE for presenting her research at Lisbon, Portugal, grant from IEEE CEDA, All-Round Excellence award for excellence in teaching and research by Heritage Institute of Technology and was felicitated by State Project Facilitation Unit, West Bengal Government for her role as a Nodal officer in TEQIP II.
She is a senior member of IEEE and has been serving as Branch Counselor of IEEE Heritage Institute of Technology Student Branch since 2016. She has served for a two-year term as the Education Committee member and is n ow a member of Women in Electron Devices of IEEE EDS USA. She is currently associated with IEEE MOVE Outreach India Program as the Leader of the Education Committee.
