75. Humanitarian Engineering and Service Learning: The AQUA-Villanova Connection
This episode is proudly supported by AQUA
Aqua is an essential utilities company providing water services since 1886.
Water is the essence of life, a basic necessity often taken for granted. Yet, for many around the globe, access to clean and safe water remains a distant dream. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of humanitarian engineering on global health through the lens of water sanitation and hygiene. Particularly, we highlight the partnership between Villanova University and Aqua, as well as the student outreach programs that make tangible differences in communities in need.
Water: More Than Just a Resource
In our latest episode of the Global Health Podcast, host Hetal Baman delves into the journey of Lizzy Loughnane, an engineer with a passion for bringing sustainable drinking water solutions to underserved populations. Lizzy's stories from her time with Villanova’s engineering service learning program highlight the transformative power of exposure to different cultures and living conditions.
Lizzy Loughnane
Lizzy began her college career with dreams of entering big pharma, yet a service trip to Nicaragua upended her worldview. Designing water infrastructure projects as part of the Villanova Engineering Service Learning (VESL) program opened her eyes to the ongoing struggles faced by communities with limited water access. It made her realize that engineering solutions can be pivotal in bridging gaps in public health globally.
The Crucial Role of Community Partnerships
Aqua, a company committed to improving global water access, has partnered with Villanova to propel students like Lizzy into the field of international development. This collaboration not only aids students in understanding real-world challenges but also enhances community partnerships strengthening local resources. Villanova's VESL program serves as a testament to this, offering students the chance to work on real-world NGO water initiatives and witness firsthand the nuances of community service projects.
Cultural Awareness and Engineering
Lizzy shares her experiences in both Nicaragua and Madagascar, illuminating the stark cultural differences that demand an empathetic approach to engineering solutions. Her encounters with local customs display the importance of cultural awareness in engineering projects. It's about learning to ask the right questions, like understanding why people conduct their lives as they do, and how to introduce change without appearing as an outsider imposing foreign ideas.
Krista Seng, Aqua's Corporate Giving and Community Affairs lead, underscores the shift in company culture through involvement in these international service projects. Employees gain exposure to challenges beyond their usual scope, enhancing their understanding of the importance of sustainable water solutions and global humanitarianism.
The Bigger Picture: Global Impact and Sustainable Solutions
While Lizzy's initial endeavors seemed like drops in an ocean, her continuous learning and involvement have broadened the scope of what humanitarian engineering can achieve. The partnership between Aqua and Villanova showcases a sustainable model of education, mentorship, and real-world application. It reinforces the idea that tackling global health challenges requires more than technology—it demands a compassionate and knowledgeable workforce ready to make meaningful impacts.