Megan Partridge, 2014, Civil and Environmental Engineering
I spent the summer introducing point-of-use colloidal silver impregnated ceramic water filtration technology to communities in Kenya, with the ultimate goal of reducing water-borne disease and stimulating economic development. After conducting laboratory tests at Princeton to determine the microbial removal and flow rate of the filter technology and designing a baseline survey and follow-up assessments to analyze the filter’s practical effect on user health and wealth, I initiated a six-month pilot project in Kenya. My work in Kenya provided insight into the design, distribution, and implementation of low-cost ceramic water filtration technology in a rural village. I conducted laboratory and field testing to begin identifying and evaluating customer benefits and opportunities for product refinement and a marketing entry strategy. I also developed community outreach programs for health and sanitation education. I hope to see the pilot project develop into a sustainable private sector supply chain for ceramic water filters in Kenya.