Miguel Pando, PhD, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, is a co-PI in WasiTek, an international collaborative research grant funded by the Peruvian research agency CONCYTEC PERU. WasiTek is investigating the feasibility of 3D printing earthen-based matrices that are stabilized with potato starch gel and sisal fibers as an alternative to Portland cement-based matrices and an eco-friendly alternative for the construction industry. The project involves an interdisciplinary group of researchers from the lead institution at the Catholic University of Peru, the University of Piura and Drexel.
