Lonny Grafman

Lonny Grafman is a Lecturer in the School of Engineering at Cal Poly Humboldt, specializing in Environmental Resources Engineering. He founded Appropedia, authored "To Catch the Rain" and "To Catch the Sun," and leads the Practivistas international program, focusing on sustainable design, appropriate technology, and community-based innovation.

Education:

• BA, BS from Humboldt State University

Grafman's research spans renewable energy systems (solar and water), international development, social entrepreneurship, and appropriate technology. He prioritizes community engagement in designing practical solutions for sustainability challenges, implementing projects like rainwater harvesting and solar power systems in resource-limited settings globally. His work emphasizes education and capacity building through hands-on application.

His publications consistently address sustainable development via appropriate technology and community empowerment. Key themes include rainwater harvesting, solar energy deployment, and leveraging information technology for global collaboration. His research bridges engineering, education, and social innovation, prioritizing scalable solutions for water, energy, and waste management with real-world applicability.

Scientific awards:

• Distinguished Alumni Award from Humboldt Magazine (2015)

Grafman mentors students through service-learning courses and international programs like Practivistas, fostering practical engineering skills. He has secured grants for innovative projects including Waterpod, Flock House, and Swale—floating ecosystems exploring public access to sustainable resources—and collaborates with cross-disciplinary teams and community partners to advance regenerative ventures.

He directs the Northern California Hub of BlueTechValley supporting energy entrepreneurs and the AWEsome Business Competition for Agriculture, Water, and Energy initiatives. Grafman is integral to the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) and leads teams for floating art projects that merge sustainability with public engagement, demonstrating resilient community models.