Hope in a Barrel

Nisha Troupe, Anjienna Lowtan, and Danielle Hanson, students in Pace’s College of Health Professions, are on a mission to revolutionize clean water accessibility. Their recent win in the Project Planet USA competition—hosted by The Front Yard at Pace and the Lubin School of Business—has earned them a substantial $15,000 grant, symbolizing more than just a success for their innovative project.

"It all started with our Health Science program," says Nisha. "We delved into global health discrepancies, and one glaring issue stood out: access to clean water."

Their winning concept? A barrel filtration system designed to harness rainwater, purify it, and provide communities with a sustainable source of clean water.

"We're not just providing water; we're paving the way for sustainable solutions," Danielle says. "By harnessing technology and fostering community engagement, we're rewriting the narrative of water scarcity."

"We realized that by tapping into rainwater, we could alleviate the strain on traditional water sources," Anjienna explains. "This means reducing energy-intensive processes like pumping and treating water, ultimately curbing carbon emissions."

The trio envisioned their project not just as a solution but as a catalyst for change, with specific outcomes aimed at amplifying its impact. Scaling up implementation, refining filtration technology, forging partnerships—these were just a few steps towards their overarching goal: ensuring clean water for all, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers.

But their journey doesn’t end with the grant money. With professional mentoring, public relations, and network connections at their disposal, Nisha, Anjienna, and Danielle are poised to elevate their project to new heights.

"Through mentorship, we aim to fine-tune our approach and tackle obstacles head-on," Danielle affirms. "Public relations will help us spread awareness and rally support, while network connections open doors to invaluable resources and partnerships."

Their long-term vision goes beyond the grant period, to a future wherein water scarcity was a thing of the past and where communities can thrive in harmony with nature.

"We're not just providing water; we're paving the way for sustainable solutions," Danielle says. "By harnessing technology and fostering community engagement, we're rewriting the narrative of water scarcity."

And so, armed with determination, innovation, and unwavering dedication, Nisha, Anjienna, and Danielle will change the world, one drop of water at a time.