Water and Research Sanitation in Ghana

Opportunity Description:

Currently this program is not accepting applications due to COVID-19 pandemic.

This project will engage graduate and undergraduate students from STEM, STEM education, public health and social sciences in carrying out multidisciplinary research in Water and Sanitation challenges in Ghana, West Africa. Students will be involved in research activities to develop, test and implement technologies, such as biosand filters and decentralized sanitation systems, while uncovering and addressing social and financial factors that limit their use in the field. The project will take place in collaboration with students and faculty at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as well as teachers and pupils in a local secondary school in Kumasi, Ghana.

US students will experience real on-the-ground water and sanitation situations that will enhance their research skills as they develop the global competence needed to work effectively in developing countries. Students will also enhance their science communication and writing skills and expand their network through social interactions with IRES participants and local communities in Ghana.

This is a three-year project that will be implemented from 2019 to 2021.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

• This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students in STEM, STEM Education, Public Health or Social Sciences. 
• We welcome students who are members of underrepresented groups.
• Competitive applicants should have a good GPA, especially in the field of their major, strong reference letters.
• Work experience, research experience and involvement in extracurricular activities will also be a plus.