Spring Break
Drexel engineers aid in El Salvador villages development
By: Alexa Bonacquisti
Issue date: 5/25/07 Section: News
Originally published: 5/25/07 at 4:39 AM EST
Last update: 5/25/07 at 4:39 AM EST
Originally published: 5/25/07 at 4:39 AM EST
Last update: 5/25/07 at 4:39 AM EST
The University chapter of Engineers Without Borders has partnered with a veteran chapter from Rowan University to work on an improved water supply system in Myramir, El Salvador and Laseiba, El Salvador.
Frannie Bui, a senior civil engineering major and the founder of the Drexel chapter of Engineers Without Borders, said, "I think its really important for young engineers to have the opportunity to apply their engineering education to real world situations and to give back to the world."
Alex Lannan, a junior civil engineering and appropriate technology major, traveled to El Salvador with six students and a professor from Rowan University. The purpose of the trip was to assess and survey the current water and environmental conditions, and to visit the village for which they will be working. Lannan said he wanted to see how he could use all of the skills he has been learning to help other people.
Lannan said that the villages have two wells from which they receive their entire water supply, but the wells are contaminated and dry up too quickly to support the whole village.
"The main project will be led by Rowan, but Alex took stream and water samples for water quality in order for Drexel to provide contribution," said Bui. "We will be leading the water quality assessment and treatment section of the design."
According to Lannan they also conducted health surveys, land surveys, economic analyses and asked questions regarding how much water the villagers use and for what purpose. He said that the villagers need to be educated on the benefits of safety over convenience. One purpose of the trips, in addition to implementing the water supply system, would be to educate and train the villagers in the proper use of the equipment.
The Engineers Without Borders team at the University in collaboration with the team at Rowan University will take the data collected during the assessment trip and begin to design the water supply system. By next year, they hope to be ready for the implementation of the design in Myramir, according to Bui.
Lannan said that several fundraising projects will be planned throughout the summer to support the effort. He also hopes to integrate the projects of Engineers Without Borders more into the engineering curriculum, especially through independent study and both freshmen design and senior design projects.
Engineers Without Borders is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life in developing nations through engineering projects worldwide.
Frannie Bui, a senior civil engineering major and the founder of the Drexel chapter of Engineers Without Borders, said, "I think its really important for young engineers to have the opportunity to apply their engineering education to real world situations and to give back to the world."
Alex Lannan, a junior civil engineering and appropriate technology major, traveled to El Salvador with six students and a professor from Rowan University. The purpose of the trip was to assess and survey the current water and environmental conditions, and to visit the village for which they will be working. Lannan said he wanted to see how he could use all of the skills he has been learning to help other people.
Lannan said that the villages have two wells from which they receive their entire water supply, but the wells are contaminated and dry up too quickly to support the whole village.
"The main project will be led by Rowan, but Alex took stream and water samples for water quality in order for Drexel to provide contribution," said Bui. "We will be leading the water quality assessment and treatment section of the design."
According to Lannan they also conducted health surveys, land surveys, economic analyses and asked questions regarding how much water the villagers use and for what purpose. He said that the villagers need to be educated on the benefits of safety over convenience. One purpose of the trips, in addition to implementing the water supply system, would be to educate and train the villagers in the proper use of the equipment.
The Engineers Without Borders team at the University in collaboration with the team at Rowan University will take the data collected during the assessment trip and begin to design the water supply system. By next year, they hope to be ready for the implementation of the design in Myramir, according to Bui.
Lannan said that several fundraising projects will be planned throughout the summer to support the effort. He also hopes to integrate the projects of Engineers Without Borders more into the engineering curriculum, especially through independent study and both freshmen design and senior design projects.
Engineers Without Borders is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life in developing nations through engineering projects worldwide.
Jose T Perez
posted 5/30/07 @ 12:52 PM EST
I think is a great idea to study possible construction activities in other countries specially in latin america, since latin america is waiting for construction professionals(students) to design/construct better inflastructure systems and building solutions. (Continued…)