I am a technology policy and technology studies scholar. Much of my research is about whether and how new and emerging technologies can improve livelihoods in Africa. Past and current research projects include:
As a social scientist embedded in an engineering faculty, I also have a strong interest in education research, particularly focused on better preparing technical students to work in developing countries.
Key Publications
2014. Harsh, M. Nongovernmental Organizations and Genetically Modified Crops In Kenya: Understanding Influence inside a Techno-Civil Society. Geoforum, 53, 172-83.
2014. Caron, B., Gopakumar, G., Dysart-Gale, D., and Harsh, M. Navigating a Constitutional Moment: Reflections on Implementing Graduate Attributes in Canadian Engineering Education. Engineering Studies, 6(1), 44-61.
2013. Harsh, M. and Zachary, G. P. Computer Science Research Capacity as a Driver of ICTD Innovation: Institutional Factors in Kenya and Uganda. Internet and Communication Technology for Development 2013 Proceedings. ACM 978-1-4503-1907-2/13/12.
2013. Harsh, M., and Woodson, T. Pro-Poor Nanotechnology Applications for Water: Characterizing and Contextualizing Private Sector Research and Development. Nanotechnology Law & Business, 9(3), 232-52.
2011. Harsh, M. Mapping Nano-Innovation Systems for Water Applications. Refereed conference paper pre- sented at the Winter School on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Grenoble Ecole de Management, Pinsot, France.
2010. Harsh, M., Mbatia, P. and Shrum, W. Accountability and Inaction: Capital NGOs and Resource Lodging in Development. Development and Change, 41(2), 253-78.
2010. Harsh, M. Equity and Participation in Decisions: What Can Nanotechnology Learn from Biotechnology in Kenya? Peer reviewed chapter in S. Cozzens and J. Wetmore (Eds.), The Yearbook of Nanotechnology and Society, Volume 2. (pp. 251-69). New York: Springer.
2007. Harsh, M. and Smith, J. Technology, Governance and Place: Situating Biotechnology in Kenya. Science & Public Policy, 34(4), 251-60.
2005. Harsh, M. Formal and Informal Governance of Biotechnology in Kenya: Participation and Accountability in Controversy Surrounding the Draft Biosafety Bill. Journal of International Development, 17(5), 661- 77.
- Civil society involvement in policy making for genetically-modified crops in Kenya
- Capacity building for computer science research in East Africa;
- Equity implications of nanotechnology applications for water, energy and agri-food in South Africa;
- The affects of political unrest on research and education in Kenya;
As a social scientist embedded in an engineering faculty, I also have a strong interest in education research, particularly focused on better preparing technical students to work in developing countries.
Key Publications
2014. Harsh, M. Nongovernmental Organizations and Genetically Modified Crops In Kenya: Understanding Influence inside a Techno-Civil Society. Geoforum, 53, 172-83.
2014. Caron, B., Gopakumar, G., Dysart-Gale, D., and Harsh, M. Navigating a Constitutional Moment: Reflections on Implementing Graduate Attributes in Canadian Engineering Education. Engineering Studies, 6(1), 44-61.
2013. Harsh, M. and Zachary, G. P. Computer Science Research Capacity as a Driver of ICTD Innovation: Institutional Factors in Kenya and Uganda. Internet and Communication Technology for Development 2013 Proceedings. ACM 978-1-4503-1907-2/13/12.
2013. Harsh, M., and Woodson, T. Pro-Poor Nanotechnology Applications for Water: Characterizing and Contextualizing Private Sector Research and Development. Nanotechnology Law & Business, 9(3), 232-52.
2011. Harsh, M. Mapping Nano-Innovation Systems for Water Applications. Refereed conference paper pre- sented at the Winter School on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Grenoble Ecole de Management, Pinsot, France.
2010. Harsh, M., Mbatia, P. and Shrum, W. Accountability and Inaction: Capital NGOs and Resource Lodging in Development. Development and Change, 41(2), 253-78.
2010. Harsh, M. Equity and Participation in Decisions: What Can Nanotechnology Learn from Biotechnology in Kenya? Peer reviewed chapter in S. Cozzens and J. Wetmore (Eds.), The Yearbook of Nanotechnology and Society, Volume 2. (pp. 251-69). New York: Springer.
2007. Harsh, M. and Smith, J. Technology, Governance and Place: Situating Biotechnology in Kenya. Science & Public Policy, 34(4), 251-60.
2005. Harsh, M. Formal and Informal Governance of Biotechnology in Kenya: Participation and Accountability in Controversy Surrounding the Draft Biosafety Bill. Journal of International Development, 17(5), 661- 77.