The project, titled “Reacting with Nature,” provided students the opportunity to tour the CSL’s constructed wetland and lagoon to gain firsthand insight into sustainable water reuse systems. Using data collected from the nonprofit’s facilities, students modeled pollutant uptake and removal through physical filtration under a variety of seasonal conditions. The semester culminated in a poster session held at a local botanical conservatory that oversees the CSL. This venue and event allowed students to present their findings to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
This work presents a model for integrating sustainability-focused, community-engaged projects into ChemE curricula, demonstrating their potential to enhance student learning while supporting local environmental initiatives. Additionally, it highlights how students can be hired as effective project assistants, helping establish community partnerships, develop curricula, and facilitate implementation. This approach provides valuable insights for ChemE educators seeking to develop impactful, real-world sustainability projects at their institutions.
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