Gideon Maina, IoT Engineer/ Air Quality Monitoring Technologist, Industry/Government/Academia

GIDEON MAINA, Code For Africa

     Abstract Number: 643
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
My current role is as Senior IoT Engineer for sensors.AFRICA is to oversee the development of low-cost air quality monitors; a befitting role that intersects my passion for clear air initiatives and my love for electronics and software development.

My experience has grown a specific interest in reliable and quality data on air pollution. The main challenge with currently available data especially on the African continent is that it is insufficient and reliable to give a clear picture of the air quality situation in the continent. One aspect that has been overlooked by researchers and policymakers is the technology used to collect these data which resulted in technologists being sidelined in this whole effort.

As an engineer by background, my problem-solving and analytical skills took effect. I have made a few proposals to various stakeholders in Africa such as harmonization of the data collection exercise, development of a standard in air quality data format, open framework for data access, and collaboration with experts to audit commercially available monitors as well as the data collection methodology used by institutions.

Additionally, I have developed an interest in air quality modeling using artificial intelligence. I am in the process of creating a playbook for air quality monitoring levering our open source initiative with existing frameworks and standards developed by other organizations. A role in Canada, the US or Europe will be beneficial to my efforts as these regions are comparably advanced in air quality monitoring.