Dotz, A. Dara
Co-Founder/ Design Lead, Field Ready
Dara is a pioneer in 3D printing in austere environments, who combines her design strategy experience and rapid ethnographic assessment to empower others through technology. Two years after the earthquake in Haiti, Dara realized the extreme supply chain challenges and was motivated to tackle these, starting with 3D printing as a way of addressing immediate needs. Subsequently, she co-founded Field Ready, an NGO that focuses on manufacturing humanitarian supplies. Field Ready has already brought 3D printers and taught locals to make essential medical supplies, replacement parts for clinics, water pipe fittings and more in multiple countries. Dara has also worked as Human Factors Lead for Made In Space, Inc., a company that built and operates the first gravity-independent 3D printer on the International Space Station. She has expertise in human factors and has lectured at the UN, MakerFaire, TEDx, and more about the potential of technology applied effectively to address human needs in remote environments. Dara holds a BS in Industrial Design, a minor in International Business from MSCD, and received numerous accolades for her creative applications of technology. In her free time Dara flies drones, works on and races AI design optimized cars, and learns medicine for remote environments.