Engineering
March 14, 2018
Sherrie Caltagirone founded the Global Emancipation Network (GEN), a Seattle-based nonprofit data clearinghouse that aims to eradicate human trafficking, in 2016. Sherrie knew her husband, Sergio, who works full-time for an industrial cybersecurity firm, could help GEN in uncovering the well-hidden online activities of human traffickers. Sergio, who earned degrees in computer science and theology from UP in 2003, also serves as GEN’s technical director.
Computer science students Melanie Martinell ’18, Michelle Lau ’18, and Nick Accuardi ’18 connected with GEN for their senior capstone project. The team created an international online directory of anti-trafficking service providers. “One major challenge in fighting human trafficking is communication among service providers and law enforcement,” explained faculty advisor Tammy VanDeGrift. “This directory is an important tool for organizations to find partners in fighting the modern-day slave trade.” Sherrie agreed: “We look forward to all stakeholders accessing the tool and cannot wait to see the impact the directory brings over the next year.”
At first Accuardi struggled with how studying and practicing software development could make a difference. He said, “We learn how to code, but how do we apply that knowledge to helping people? Working with GEN opened my eyes to a sector of tech that develops software to make the world better.”
“The students created a one-of-a-kind technology tool which will help millions,” says Sergio. “Their experience shows that while the process of engineering is critical, it’s what you choose to do with it that really matters.”
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