Joshua Pearce
Joshua M. Pearce is an academic engineer at Michigan Tech known for his work on , photovoltaic technology, open-source-appropriate technology, and open-source hardware including RepRap 3D printers.
Dr. Pearce received his Ph.D. at The Pennsylvania State University, where his work on helped develop low-cost amorphous silicon solar photovoltaic technology. His solar research continues. For example, his research group published a levelized cost of electricity study on solar energy showed solar electricity was economically competitive with fossil fuels over wide geographic regions. His research into BDRF modeling of reflectors showed potential solar systems output increases of 30%.
However, he is also a vocal advocate of an open-source approach to technical development. For his work related to open-source nanotechnology,Ars Technica compared him to American software freedom activist Richard Stallman. He applied open-source 3-D printing and electronics to scientific equipment design, where he has claimed both superior innovation and lower costs. Reviewing his book Open-Source Lab, 3-D Printing Industry wrote, "This is a manual that every scientist should read and it holds a message so powerful and disruptive that the Anarchist Cookbook is a fairy tale in comparison."
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