Author: ksmangone

Authors: Payton Bielawski; Brian Preiss; Rebekah Vernon; Nathan Kaplan; Alyssa Sousa

Advisors: Laura Roberts; Mohammed El Hamzaoui

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
Morocco’s unique geography contributes to varying environmental conditions throughout the country, including problems with water scarcity, deforestation, and desertification. Working with Association Ribat Al-Fath, our team outlined a sustainable improvement plan for Moroccan public bathhouses, known as Hammams, to combat these national issues on a local level. A cultural tenant, the bathing ritual will never change; however, the sustainability of the institution must. Through extensive modeling, our team analyzed the different resource management systems in Hammams to produce a set of recommendations that not only mitigates the environmental impacts of the industry but also bolsters the Moroccan economy through the creation of new jobs and market sectors.

Author: Jessica Antoine; Ema Mehuljic; Meron Tadesse

Advisors: Pratap Rao; Robert Kruegar

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
This paper discusses the design of an activated carbon filter made in Kyebi, Ghana to remove mercury pollution caused by small-scale gold mining. The paper elaborates on the health and safety information regarding exposure to mercury while discussing the collaboration effort with the government and miners of the region. We studied alternative approaches to artisanal mining and interviewed miners to identify the health risks of the process. In collaboration with Kyebi Senior High Technical School, we created a prototype of the filter with a three layer design: bleach activated carbon heated with an LPG oven, a clay-sawdust filter made with a 1:1 ration of clay and sawdust and a locally sourced woven cloth. The paper concludes with recommendations to expand the water filter project.

https://youtu.be/9PzLuKtIZjE

Authors: Mark Bray; Kayla Legatt; Carson Brooks

Advisor: N/A

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
My team participated in the 2020 L’Oréal Brandstorm, an annual international innovation competition that allows students to innovate within the beauty industry. The goal of this year’s competition was to eliminate plastic in the beauty industry. My team conducted market research, analyzed supply chains, and presented ways through which beauty products would be presented in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Authors: Jonathan Zimak; Matt Scherrer; Mike McCarthy

Advisor: Lisa Stoddard 

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
Nature-based education creates novel opportunities for problem-solving, environmental education, and is critical to social and behavioral development. Turn Back Time is a farm and nature education center, with gardens that provide much of the context for learning. Due to pests, the garden is not yielding the produce needed to create opportunities for learning. We designed and built a novel predator proof-garden system that is designed for efficiency and enhanced learning opportunities.

Authors: Mark Bray; Kayla Legatt; Madison Perry; Bella Speer

Advisors: Robert Hersh; Robert Kinicki

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
This project assisted Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collecting and sharing the climate stories of Albanians regarding floods in Shkodër and heat waves in Tirana. The project’s purpose was to help residents connect extreme weather events to climate change and encourage public participation in adaptation efforts. Our team conducted twenty-six interviews in Shkodër and Tirana and analyzed the interviews to find impactful stories. The interviews provided insight on the extent of awareness and adaptations to floods in Shkodër and heat waves in Tirana and revealed challenges that prevent effective adaptation. We developed Climate Cards, postcard-like card sets, for GIZ to use to drive conversation and action among residents about climate resiliency in Albania.

Author: Katherine Vaz Gomes

Advisor: Michael Timko

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
This project used a continuous reactor to study the anaerobic digestion of barley bagasse using a batch reactor as a source of daily feed. Anaerobic digestion is the process of microorganisms digesting organic material in the absence of oxygen: producing biogas, which is useful as a versatile fuel because of its methane content. This project analyzed the resultant biogas and considered reactor stability metrics such as alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand, and ammoniacal nitrogen content. On average, the continuous reactor produced 745 mL of biogas per day with 58% methane. The energy production potential of the reactor was considered to analyze whether this method could be a sustainable energy source for brewers.

Authors: Natalie Cohn; Nicole Cotto; Margaret Raque; Megan Seely

Advisors: Esther Boucher-Yip; Brigitte Servatius

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
The Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation aims to restore the Palace to its original condition by 2024. However, brackish groundwater prevents the restoration of the Palace grounds. By analyzing salinity data and interviewing community members, we found the likely cause of the brackish groundwater are the jetties feeding seawater to nearby mangroves. We recommend filling the jetties, spreading awareness of high local salinity, and implementing desalination methods to support the restoration efforts of the Foundation. Also participating- Thai students: Penpicha Janprasert, Chisanupong Kunmas, Radmehr Mohammadali, Pichayapa Vjirsangpyroj

Authors: Max Moran; Tala Calvi; Devin Hainsworth

Advisors: Michael Timko; Geoff Tompsett

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
We are analyzing the fluid mechanics, focusing on pressure drop for the pretreatment of biomass. We are attempting to analyze the possible effects of biomass swelling on pressure drop and creating data for a mathematical modeling team at UMass Lowell.

To view the video:

https://video.wpi.edu/Watch/Yj4n6XMd

Authors: Stephanie Salerno; Jacquelyn Valsamis

Advisors: John Bergendahl; Stephen Kmiotek

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
The recreational cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth, yet the environmental impacts of the industry are still largely unknown. This may be attributed to the lack of available data and comprehensive studies. More fundamental and applied research is required in many areas of cannabis production. Our research provides a brief overview of current recreational cannabis regulations and in depth environmental analyses of five main concerns: air, energy, pesticides, waste, and water. For each category, an evaluation of common industry practices was performed to assess their environmental impacts. Based on our research, a series of recommendations were made to improve the sustainability of the cannabis industry.

Authors: Carly Campbell; Anna Carriero; Alaa Hassan; Brandon Weyant; Georgie Wood

Advisors: Harold Walker; Brian Savilonis; James O’Rourke

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract/Description:
As part of Sylvester Manor Educational Farm’s efforts to renovate the Shelter Island Windmill, we were tasked with providing design recommendations for an electro-mechanical system that allowed the 210-year-old windmill to harness energy from the wind and convert it into electricity, while still allowing operation of the mechanical grist system. By utilizing the power coefficients of a four blade dutch windmill and the average wind conditions present on Shelter Island, NY, we were also able to determine the energy potential of the Shelter Island Windmill. Additionally, we built a 3 ft scale model of the windmill that included a representation of both the grist and electrical systems, which will serve as an educational tool for Sylvester Manor Educational Farm.

Link to video file: