Laura Hosman

PI Contributor

since 2025

School for the Future of Innovation in Society

I’ve always believed that everyone deserves access to information—regardless of where they live or whether they have internet connectivity. That belief is what led me to co-found SolarSPELL, an offline, solar-powered digital library initiative focused on building information literacy and internet-ready skills in communities that are often left behind by mainstream tech solutions. Long before I knew the term “Principled Innovation,” I was living it—designing with empathy, centering community voices, and asking how technology can serve people rather than the other way around. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is engaging more than 200 ASU students each year, helping them develop as compassionate, creative problem-solvers through hands-on, globally focused projects.

What drew me to Principled Innovation was how deeply it aligns with the values that have shaped my work: humility, equity, ethics, and a relentless curiosity about the world. I’ve seen firsthand that the character we bring to our work matters just as much as the tools we use. In both my teaching and my research, I aim to foster that sense of responsibility—whether I’m in a classroom, on a field visit, or collaborating with students and partners. Through SolarSPELL, and through the relationships I’ve built along the way, I hope to create ripple effects: empowering people to make informed decisions, sparking meaningful learning, and contributing to a more just and connected world.