Junior Prize won by Chai
Joyce Chai, a student from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills Estates, CA, was named winner of the ITT-sponsored 2008 Stockholm Junior Water Prize at a formal ceremony during the World Water Week in Stockholm. She received the Prize, a $5,000 (US D) scholarship and a crystal sculpture. Chai’s project, Modelling the Toxic Effects of Silver Nanoparticles under Varying Environmental Conditions, focused on this new, hardly investigated category of micropollutants, which are commonly used in industry for a variety of purposes. Her initial research questions the reliability of their use in consumer products and challenged previous assumptions about its safety. “The scientific impact of this investigation is extremely profound and we expect that it will open the door to serious questioning and further studies regarding the widespread use of silver nanoparticles,” according to the Nominating Committee.
Aquatic Degree for two
Keiser University eCampus conferred its two-year, online Associate of Science in Aquatic Engineering Degree on two new graduates this summer: Phil Greggs, a Technical Services worker for SGM and Nanette Campbell, a mother of three in search of a later-in-life career. According to Program Director Connie Sue Centrella, Greggs was able to help facilitate deeper exploration on certain topics and share experiences that broadened everyone’s class knowledge. Upon graduation, Campbell immediately went to work for builder Riverhead Pools.
Wood named Junior Journalist
Katy Wood, 17, of Acworth, GA received the third annual ITT Award for Excellence in Student Water Journalism, in recognition of her exploration of the Southeastern water shortage and state water rights. ITT Corporation created the award to recognize aspiring journalists and encourage them to explore and report on water-related, environmental issues. Wood, a 2008 graduate of Wheeler High School’s Center for Advanced Studies, a science magnet school in Marietta, GA, tackled the controversial issue and discussed the overall impact of the drought on local communities in her winning article, A Lack of Lakes: Georgia Water Crisis.
Gravina added to Water, Inc. sales team
Water, Inc. welcomed Michele Gravina as Regional Sales Manager, responsible for all of the company’s sales efforts in Colorado and Wyoming. She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position and is expected to maintain and enhance growth of her business segment. Gravina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
NSF award and appointment announced
NSF International and the National Environmental Health Association announced that Captain Craig A. Shepherd, RS, MPH, DAAS, as the recipient of the 2008 Walter F. Snyder Award. Given in honor of NSF’s co-founder and first Executive Director, the award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of environment health. Shepherd was recognized for the lasting impact he has made on environmental health over the course of his 30-year career as a US Public Health Service Officer.
Christopher Dunn, a 30-year beverage industry veteran was appointed General Manager of NSF’s Beverage Quality Program, which tests, audits and certifies bottled water and natural mineral waters, flavored and functional beverages and packaged ice. Dunn has served as President of his own consulting firm, DunnWorks, LLC, for the past four years. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of BIOTA Brands of America, Inc., Vice President of Business Development, Corporate Planning and Marketing for DS Waters LP and held numerous marketing positions at Coca-Cola. Dunn holds an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and a Bachelor’s Degree in communications from the University of Denver, CO.
Tuttle named Trusco Sales Manager
Trusco, a division of GinSan Industries, hired Rick Tuttle to head up its sales team. He brings over 15 years of diverse water treatment experience to the position. Working closely with the entire Trusco team, Tuttle will be develop and market new technologies and solidify the company’s position in the marketplace. Tuttle earned his Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University (MI) and currently serves as Associate Director of the Michigan Water Quality Association.
IWA award winners
Professor Mark van Loosdrecht and Dr. Jim Gill honored with IWA’s Grand Award for their contributions to the water sector, presented during the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Vienna, Austria in September. van Loosdrecht, based at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, is a globally recognized pioneer of new techniques that synthesize environmental biotechnology and good engineering practice. Gill, CEO of the Water Corporation of Western Australia and his team were credited with literally saving Perth and other areas of Western Australia from running out of water.