Graduation Date: June 2010
Degrees: Ph.D. Applied Physics; M.S. Physics (San Francisco State University); B.S. Electrical Engineering

Daniel worked on many different projects while at the Ecuadorian Foundation for Appropriate Technology. Upon arrival, Daniel helped teach classes on off-grid solar photovoltaic systems. His next projects were to write proposals for an evaluation of existing solar installations and a project to bring internet to rural schools. Later he visited isolated communities in the Amazon to determine the most economical means for their electrification. His final project was to repair a river turbine installation on the Coca River. During these projects he greatly expanded his technical vocabulary in Spanish. By the end of the summer, Daniel developed an understanding of the social, technical, and policy dimensions in the electrification of rural Ecuador.

"I learned about policy and funding for energy in Ecuador, technical aspects of energy installation, and economic and social realities in isolated communities. In addition to the things I learned, I made many contacts with NGO’s working in Ecuador and Latin America. I hope to work with these people and organizations in the future."

Daniel Soto

“In FEDETA we learn from each employee who is with us because each one brings their experiences and shares them with us to enrich our work.”

Mario Brown, Executive Director
FEDETA