Author: ayusuf

Authors: Benjamin Coe, Pratham Patel, Marco Legros, Spencer Romain

Advisors: Soroush Farzin, Leonard Albano, Nancy Ma

Category:  Undergraduate – MQP

Abstract: Hôpital Source de Vie is a conceptual hospital designed to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Les Cayes, Haiti, a region vulnerable to natural disasters and increasing population pressures due to instability in Port-au-Prince. Developed in collaboration with Build Health International and Haitian nursing students, the design emphasizes resilience, patient well-being, and sustainability, achieving net-zero energy emissions while exceeding standards set forth by the American Institute of Architects. With a flexible interior layout and room to expand, the hospital aims to remain an important asset for Les Cayes and the broader country for years to come.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 4 – Quality Education

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13 – Climate Action

SDG 15 – Life on Land

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Authors: Julia Silvestrone

Advisors: Stephen McCauley

Category:  Undergraduate – MQP

Abstract: This project aimed to understand the ways in which extreme heat impacts Worcester residents in order to inform social, environmental, and infrastructural interventions to support heat resilience. In order to capture the dynamic nuances of heat vulnerability in the city, 228 survey responses were collected from Worcester residents and sixteen individuals were interviewed regarding various sectors of heat resilience. This data was used to identify populations that feel the most heat vulnerable, which cooling resources residents rely on, and which barriers interfere with heat resilience. Ultimately, this report formulated 11 recommendations for the city, including expanding access to cooling centers and prioritizing keeping blue spaces clean and staffed.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

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Authors: Lydia Beers, Katherine Vieira, Vanessa Reeder, Mardin Minasian

Advisors: Beth Eddy , Michael Ginzberg

Category:  Undergraduate – IQP

Abstract: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used within the outdoor apparel industry for waterproofing. However, the European Union has proposed a ban on their use. Collaborating with the environmental non-profit Arnika, our team distributed surveys, conducted interviews, and analyzed public data to identify alternative transition obstacles and potential solutions for businesses within the industry. We found that the main obstacles preventing companies from transitioning to alternatives were indicative of their business scale, in which outsourced production led to communication difficulties and a lack of transparency between parties. The team identified potential PFAS alternatives used on the market, including ePE Gore-Tex, ExpeDry, and Nikwax. Our research findings were condensed into an infographic pamphlet and distributed to companies by our sponsor.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13 – Climate Action

SDG 14 – Life Below Water

SDG 17 – Partnerships For the Goals

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UG 02 – Identifying_PFAS_Use_and_Alternatives – Beers

Authors: Tanner Thatcher, Mickey Mikitarian, Ella Moreau, Will Crawford, Caitlyn Dasaro

Advisors: Paul Mathisen

Category:  Undergraduate – MPQ

Abstract: The project began with an assessment of the current infrastructure at WPI, highlighting the most problematic areas on campus. Locations were identified through evaluations made during storms and excess runoff was observed during and after storms, revealing specific vulnerable areas on campus. Additionally, the team researched various methods of Green Infrastructure and created designs most effective for these problematic areas.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

https://echo360.org/media/bbfec9cd-233e-428e-8379-9aec822f9dd0/public

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UG 01 – Green Infrastructure – Thatcher

Author: Maria Mishechkina

Advisors: Kevin Crowthers

Category: First Year

Abstract: About 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to safely managed drinking water services (WHO, 2019) and many of the earth’s freshwater sources are full of chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms (Khan et al., 2022). Current methods of water purification only focus on the removal of a specific contaminant and require large amounts of electricity to function, making them unaffordable and ineffective in full decontamination. Project methodology includes preliminary testing of membranes, proof of concept development to determine the effectiveness of the membrane distillation process, prototype iterations, final design construction, bacterial and chemical testing utilizing spectrophotometry, and testing with local contaminated water samples. All results after purification fit safe drinking water standards of the WHO, EPA, or the WQA.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SSG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

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FY 05 – Solar Powered Water Purification – Mishechkina

Author: Varsha Alladi

Advisors: Kevin Crowthers

Category: First Year

Abstract:The overall aim of this project is to examine how GABAergic dysfunction affects sensory perception and motor activity using drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The experiment will look at the effects of bicuculline, a GABA-A receptor antagonist, on behaviors like social clustering, chemosensory responsiveness, and locomotion. The disturbance of GABAergic neurotransmission is expected to result in detectable abnormalities in these behaviors, overall providing information into the neurobiological causes of catatonia

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

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Authors: Daniel Tuladhar, Bowen Cassel,

Advisors: Stephen McCauley

Category:  First Year – GPS

Abstract: Our project looked at doing a cost analysis of intercity transportation focusing on the Northeast Corridor and considering financial, user and environmental costs. The highly polluting plane travel costs significantly less than the environmentally friendlier train travel, leading us to investigate solutions that can promote the use of affordable and clean energy by balancing the three costs associated with intercity travel. We proposed both technology and policy-based solutions to use industry and innovation in infrastructure to work towards more sustainable cities.

UN SDGs:

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infastructure

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Authors: Noah Proctor

Advisors: Dr. Kevin Crowthers

Category:  First Year

Abstract: In the United States, many large-scale farms use some form of external irrigation, whether through drip irrigation or overhead sprinklers. However, these methods can be highly inefficient and result in significant water waste. Because of this, various automated irrigation systems have been developed to minimize freshwater consumption in agriculture. Additionally, farms on hillsides can pose additional challenges, as water will flow downhill, causing the soil at the bottom to become moister compared to the soil at the top, further wasting water. While many systems incorporate some components, such as weather or soil data, they often fail to integrate both data types. This project introduces a new irrigation system that integrates weather and soil data while accounting for topographical variations by utilizing multiple solenoid control valves and capacitive soil moisture sensors. The multiple soil moisture sensors and solenoid control valves will allow us to smartly irrigate the different levels independently. This approach offers a more efficient and sustainable water management solution that shows a nearly 50% reduction in water used compared to traditional irrigation systems. This system could be transferred to large-scale agricultural operations and significantly reduce their water footprint.

UN SDGs:

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13 – Climate Action

SDG 15 – Life on Land

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Author: Vyshnavi Donthabhaktuni

Advisors: N/A

Category: First Year

Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease (NDD) that is characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons and progressive motor impairment. Recent studies suggest that PD may originate in the gut, highlighting the gut-brain axis (GBA) as a critical area for research. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) oil on PD-associated symptoms using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism. This study will assess various PD symptoms including impaired locomotion, dopaminergic neuron degeneration, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and gut permeability. PD was induced in C. elegans using genetic models, and varying concentrations of T. ammi oil were incorporated into the worms’ food. Behavioral assays (locomotion, thrashing) as well as physiological assays (oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein levels, and gut permeability), were conducted to assess the impact of T. ammi oil on these parameters. Results from these assays suggested a positive effect of T. ammi on Parkinson’s, with the ajwain-treated groups showing improved locomotion, thrashing, improved survival under oxidative stress and even lowered alpha-synuclein levels. The findings support the hypothesis that T. ammi oil mitigates PD-like symptoms in C. elegans. The results of this study could be further applied to develop an efficient, cost-effective, and widely available treatment for mitigating PD symptoms in humans.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 15 – Gender Equality

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