Everest mountain climber cheered as hero

He talked with students and teachers throughout the climb from March 22 to May 29, using a Cisco Mobile Access Router, powered by a combination of batteries and a solar panel, to connect through a satellite modem from Mt. Everest Base Camp (17,700 feet). He used a handheld personal computer and a Linksys web camera to post messages and photos, and answer student questions, all through a WebEx portal during his two months on the mountain. Students joined Popoviciu and his Sherpa guide in a video conference from the mountain on May 15.

Internet Protocol-based wireless sensor nodes and software provided by the San Francisco, Ca.-based Arch Rock monitored Popoviciu's external environmental conditions and communicated those readings back to students in Raleigh. Another sensor monitored Popoviciu's physical activity and caloric consumption. Dr. James R. Stevens, Raleigh physician and President and Chief Medical Officer of the American Institute of Healthcare and Fitness, worked with students to interpret the readings and explore the effects of high altitude on the body.

MCNC, a non-profit organization in the Research Triangle Park, facilitated the partnership between Cisco and the school and played a key role in managing the project as teachers integrated Popoviciu's experience into classroom instruction, including math, science, language arts, social studies and art classes. The interactive educational experience for teachers and students through Web-based sharing of information is a model for 21st century learning enhanced by network-based collaboration and communication, which MCNC is working in partnership with state government to extend to every school in North Carolina.

Popoviciu departed North Carolina on March 22 for Kathmandu, Nepal, and reached the summit of Mt. Everest on May 22. He returned to North Carolina on June 2.

You can find more information on Martin Middle School and Mt. Everest here.