Water
2015, 2016, 2017
From one year to the next, student projects have focused on a variety of areas ranging from providing a cheap source of light for homes to finding a more effective way to collect cow urine to produce organic fertilizer. However, one project has remained consistent since the first trip in 2015 - creating a solution for clean water access.
Phase 1: Business Model
Phase 1 began in 2015 on the first trip to India. A team of three students identified the need for clean water in rural Indian communities, and through field research, they developed a water filter. Upon returning to The University of Alabama in the fall, the team added three new members to the group and continued working on it as a senior project. With help from a variety of professors on campus, industry experts, and Jeff Jirak, the corporate advisor from Chemours, the team pivoted to focus on creating a business model for a community water filtration station instead of a home-use water filter. After working on the business model, the project was ready for Phase 2.
Phase 2: Technology
Phase 2 began on the second trip to India in 2016. A new group of students continued work on the business model, collecting information necessary for when they return to the U.S. They identified a potential location for the filter and submitted water to be tested at a local facility. Upon return to campus in the fall, three more students were added to the team. They then focused on the water filtration technology. They developed a small prototype and tested it in a microbiology lab on campus.
Phase 3: Implementation
Phase 3 began in 2017 on the third trip to India. Students chose to focus on exploring the implementation process for the filter and business model. They verified the conclusions drawn from the previous year, and they collected information and formed partnerships to continue the project as a senior project for the academic year.
Phase 1: Business Model
Phase 1 began in 2015 on the first trip to India. A team of three students identified the need for clean water in rural Indian communities, and through field research, they developed a water filter. Upon returning to The University of Alabama in the fall, the team added three new members to the group and continued working on it as a senior project. With help from a variety of professors on campus, industry experts, and Jeff Jirak, the corporate advisor from Chemours, the team pivoted to focus on creating a business model for a community water filtration station instead of a home-use water filter. After working on the business model, the project was ready for Phase 2.
Phase 2: Technology
Phase 2 began on the second trip to India in 2016. A new group of students continued work on the business model, collecting information necessary for when they return to the U.S. They identified a potential location for the filter and submitted water to be tested at a local facility. Upon return to campus in the fall, three more students were added to the team. They then focused on the water filtration technology. They developed a small prototype and tested it in a microbiology lab on campus.
Phase 3: Implementation
Phase 3 began in 2017 on the third trip to India. Students chose to focus on exploring the implementation process for the filter and business model. They verified the conclusions drawn from the previous year, and they collected information and formed partnerships to continue the project as a senior project for the academic year.
