IEEE HTB Taenzer Grant Topics in Inclusion & Accessibility: Dr Rebecca Mercuri PhD MORE Project Ham Radio

n2re.org/m-o-r-e-project

IEEE HTB Taenzer Grant Topics in Inclusion & Accessibility: Dr Rebecca Mercuri PhD MORE Project Ham Radio

The Make Operating Radio Easier (MORE) Project is indeed a very important way to get new people involved with emergency communications, which is important for humanitarian missions, in natural disasters, emergencies, terrorism, accidents, for resilience, accessibility, and sustainability. When the traditional communication infrastructure fails or is unavailable, amateur radio can keep people connected with much needed life saving resources. It is also an excellent way to introduce people to STEM at any age, improving independence for people with disabilities, and accessible for lifelong learning. The MORE Project team has been training NJ Civil Air Patrol Cadets and NJ Sea Scouts who can be deployed in this way. Dr Rebecca Mercuri is a member of ARES (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service) under ARRL, and has provided emergency communications for example, during 9-11, for which she received a service citation, and also SuperStorm Sandy in New Jersey, among other deployments.

Amateur radio is open to everyone, including people with disabilities, young people, and even the aging. The youngest participant and MORE licensee was 12 years old when taking the exam. As a disabled and home-schooled person, the student was taking the MORE Course for science credits. The student’s parents and educational team at MORE were THRILLED when the student received a license! At the other end of the age spectrum, the MORE Project also licensed people in their 80’s who recognize the utility of being able to communicate, since “when all else fails, Amateur Radio is there” (one of our Ham radio slogans). Of course the utility of these capabilities have been seen recently in Maui. Amateur radio is even MORE popular now with so many alternative modes of communications, such as EchoLink which utilizes Voice over IP technology on the Internet, Software Defined Radio all over the globe, and the amazing slow speed low power digital modes developed by Nobel Laureate Physicist Joe Taylor K1JT, to name but a few.

n2re.org/m-o-r-e-project

Interested in getting an Amateur Radio License?

The Make Operating Radio Easier (MORE) Project is an initiative to reduce both gender and age imbalances in Amateur (Ham) Radio, through education and hands-on activities. The ambitious goals of the MORE Project (running through June 2026) are: to train and license 500 new U.S. Radio Amateurs; to examine and explore various types of radio signals, such as by using Software Defined Radio (SDR); and to help our new Hams learn basic communications protocols by observing and participating in HF and VHF operations.

Amateur Radio involves all of the aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and can lead to degrees and occupations in these fields. While Hams enjoy this lifelong hobby world-wide, they are also a critical part of local, national and international emergency readiness, as their communications are possible even during severe infrastructure failures due to catastrophic circumstances.

Our training course is provided in 6 sessions, typically one 2.5-hour session per week, and may be scheduled to occur virtually and/or in person. Students must have access to the Internet in order to view and download study materials, and to participate in Zoom sessions using video and audio. The MORE Project covers the costs of training, testing, licensing and some equipment for students. Successful licensees will receive a handheld 2-way radio, plus coaching in how to Get On The Air.

Resource materials can be found at the [MORE Project Resource Page](http://n2re.org/more-project-resource-page).

The MORE Project is supported by a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (AR|DC) and is sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Princeton / Central Jersey Section, Broadcast Technology Chapter (IEEE PCJS BTC) , with the assistance of the David Sarnoff Radio Club (DSRC) and ARCsquared .

Agenda:
IEEE HTB Taenzer Grant Topics in Inclusion & Accessibility: Dr Rebecca Mercuri PhD MORE Project Ham Radio

Introduction: Dr. Rebecca Mercuri and the MORE Project Ham Radio

Information about the MORE Project

Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/379509