Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies

Christopher Bull, Senior Lecturer in Engineering, is trained in mechanical and electrical engineering and material science. For the past twenty years he has been involved in appropriate technology, co-teaching a course at Brown University and co-authoring two books on the subject with Professor Barrett Hazeltine: "Appropriate Technology; Tools, Choices, and Implications" (1998) and co-editor, "Field Guide of Appropriate Technology" (2002). Professor Bull has developed collaborations with the Design Division of the Rhode Island School of Design, co-teaching design studios for engineering and design students, and working with colleagues there on a variety of design projects.

Professor Bull's research interests include: alternative transportation, sustainable design, neural recording and stimulation systems, and experimental mechanics. He is especially interested in building intelligent systems that incorporate environmental and occupant information to achieve greater building and vehicle efficiency. He also direct the Mechanical Testing Facility for the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center.

He has developed and taught several innovative courses, including the Brown RISD Product Design Studio, Social Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Energy Technology. He currently co-teaches all of the above courses, as well as Intermediate (Appropriate) Technology.