The winning team of Jaelyn Benjamin, Kyle Ingersoll, Erin Gregoire, Alex Grohman, and Molly Kraynik stand with representatives of the ACDOH and Professor Tabatabaei
WATCH: Students learning in the real world
From Alfred State College
Six groups of Alfred State students majoring in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, and Architecture participated in a hands-on learning showcase in their Environmental Tech Concepts class. The students presented their drinking water treatment plans and posters to representatives from the Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH).
One of the core topics of the course focuses on the engineering principles of drinking water treatment. To enhance applied learning, Professor Dr. Maryam Tabatabaei, collaborated with ACDOH to develop six distinct approaches for producing safe drinking water using sources such as rainwater, wells, springs, and surface water.
Each student group, composed of five members, was assigned one method to design, plan, and construct as a tabletop model. During the class showcase, the groups presented their models and explained their treatment processes to ACDOH representatives.
Dr. Tabatabaei was pleased with the collaboration. “This was an excellent applied-learning experience, helping students deepen their understanding of water treatment processes while developing teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.”
Emily Owczarzak, Environmental Health Director for the Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH), saw this as a terrific opportunity to partner with Alfred State. She visited the class earlier in the semester and spoke with the students about the topic prior to each group deciding on a plan and creating a model.
“Public drinking water infrastructure is a hot topic across New York state,” stated Owczarzak. “When we partner with the school, we are really looking for the students to not only get hands-on experience but also for us to get outreach materials.”
Each of the six groups presented and discussed their tabletop systems before answering questions from the representatives from ACDOH. After the presentations, the group of Jaelyn Benjamin, Kyle Ingersoll, Erin Gregoire, Alex Grohman, and Molly Kraynik.
Grohman was excited that his team that focused on spring water protection and treatment were honored. “Applying what we learned in the classroom to this project was cool. We got to figure out how to do things through the different ideas we had. We put a lot of work into this project. It means a great deal to us that Allegany County is taking this project (and our classmates) and using it. It is fulfilling knowing that we made an impact in the local community.”
Owczarzak continued, “It was important to us that the students have a hands-on working model that they can reference back to. A frame of reference that they can use for the rest of their career, especially since these students are coming from multiple different (academic) backgrounds.”
The ACDOH team encouraged the students that there is a need in townships and engineering firms throughout both Allegany County and New York for water operators and engineers.
An Alfred State degree gets results!
At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, 100 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …
