Aquagenx, LLC

In December 2024, I had the privilege of traveling to the Dominican Republic to participate in an engineering study focused on water quality. We partnered with Service for Peace Dominican Republic (Servicio Para La Paz) to evaluate the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems that provide a critical source of clean water for many communities. This collaborative effort involved the NCSU College of Engineering, NCSU’s Alternative Service Break Program, and Servicio Para La Paz. Our project aimed to identify contamination sources and health risks in the rainwater systems, which are vital to families where access to clean water is limited. We collected samples from key components of the system like sediment filters, rainwater taps, and other water sources the households relied on daily to identify potential contamination sources. Our team tested 64 rainwater systems across three communities with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. We used in-field Zinc tests to understand potential contamination from roofing materials. We incubated our collected samples in makeshift incubators, utilizing Aquagenx, LLC compartment field bag tests to measure E.coli concentration and total coliform concentration. I am incredibly grateful to the communities who welcomed us with open arms, and to the dedicated team that made this project possible. A special thank you to our incredible leader, Emma Budden, for her resilience and leadership, as well as Dr. Francis de los Reyes III, Ph.D., BCEEM for his mentorship and guidance. Carly May and David Sieg exemplified the spirit of the ASB program, and Rohan Parashar, Willamina Ingle, and Henry McDevitt were the best team I could ask for. We will continue our research through 2025 to analyze the results and offer actionable recommendations for improving rainwater harvesting systems. This experience has been deeply impactful, and I am so grateful to be working on sustainable solutions to improve long term access to clean water. Thank you North Carolina State University for providing me with this opportunity!

This December, I had the privilege of working with Service for Peace Dominican Republic and a team of students and faculty from the NC State College of Engineering on a water quality research project in the Dominican Republic while we participated in an Alternative Service Break. The rainwater harvesting systems constructed by Service for Peace provide essential water acquisition and retention infrastructure for many communities in the Dominican Republic. Our project focused on evaluating contamination in these rainwater harvesting systems, a necessary step to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of this critical water source. Over the course of our weeklong project, we collected hundreds of water samples from 64 houses in 3 different communities. Aquagenx compartment bag field tests allowed us to assess microbial contamination from both E. coli and total coliforms while zinc testing allowed us to investigate potential contamination from roofing materials. We tested various components of the rainwater assessment systems, including sediment filters, rainwater taps, and other commonly used water sources in homes. Over the course of our testing, we were also able to engage with communities to understand obstacles to reliable and secure water access. This collaborative project has been an incredible opportunity for growth and I greatly look forward to our next steps: data analysis and offering recommendations to improve system design. Reliable access to safe water is a critical part of health and wellbeing. Being a part of a project which aims to strengthen water infrastructure is a powerful and humbling experience. This project has already taught me so much, and I look forward to the knowledge I will explore as we continue. Along with the incredible Service for Peace Dominican Republic, I would like to extend my gratitude to my teammates Rohan Parashar, Henry McDevitt, and Diya Rau, whose support and dedication pushed me to my best on this project and a special thank you to Emma Budden and Dr. Francis de los Reyes III, Ph.D., BCEEM whose leadership, guidance, and expertise made this project possible and inspired me to grow as a researcher. Additionally, David Sieg and Carly May were essential to making this project happen and I am so grateful for their support and leadership during this ASB experience.

It’s World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week! As pathogens become more resistant to drugs, many antibiotics are becoming ineffective. ? ? As governments try to lure pharma corporations back into producing new antibiotics through research and development (R&D) incentives, it’s important to structure incentives that prioritise timely, equitable and affordable access to new antibiotics. Read our recent report on the need for improved surveillance, testing, infection control, antibiotic stewardship, funding and global commitments for AMR solutions in humanitarian settings ??? ? #WAAW2024 #AntimicrobialResistance #antibiotic #AMR #WorldAntimicrobialAwarenessWeek? ? https://lnkd.in/dJAi39_2?