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Since 1929, the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), an organization of water quality professionals, has served the public by promoting sustainable water quality management through science, education, and training. This year, it’s awarded ����Ӱҵ student chapter first place for outstanding performance among NYWEA college affiliates.  

Comprising some 40 undergraduate and graduate students in ����Ӱҵ’s Grove School of Engineering, the chapter was recognized at NYWEA’s 97th annual meeting in mid-Manhattan for its unrivaled approach to promoting knowledge about sustainable water quality management. 

“We organize trips, seminars, workshops, and various events throughout the year,” said Krish Ramalingam, research director in the ����Ӱҵ-NYCDEP Applied Research Program in the Grove School’s Department of Civil Engineering, and a chapter advisor. “Additionally, we engage in activities hosted by the NYWEA Metropolitan Chapter; offering ����Ӱҵ students to network, continuing education, professional growth, leadership development, and connection to the professional water environment community. We are active on social media platforms also.” 

Examples of ����Ӱҵ-NYWEA Chapter trips include an outing to Governors Island in fall 2024, where they toured the Billion Oyster Project work site. They learned about the organization’s mission to restore New York Harbor and its water quality initiatives. 
 
Also, in exploring broader water-related sustainability efforts, the chapter toured the Sunset Park Materials Recovery Facility, a solid waste recycling center, and The Solaire, a LEED-certified residential building featuring its own wastewater treatment system and green roof. 

In addition to field trips, the chapter provides professional development opportunities for students. Last December, professionals from Hazen and Sawyer led a resume workshop with ����Ӱҵ-NYWEA to help students prepare for the oncoming job application season. More recently, the chapter hosted an alumni panel. It informed students about various career paths within the water and environmental fields, as well as how to strengthen their professional networks.
 
“Our chapter’s primary goal is to bring awareness of the immense potential that is available in the field of environmental engineering as it caters to students with multiple backgrounds including chemical, mechanical and bio-medical,” said Ramalingam. “Working in this field addresses questions and help innovate solutions that are existential in nature for our planet.”