Present Officers

President: Vie Villafuerte

Vie Villafuerte is currently pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Engineering. She is interested in creating a better future for sanitation in developing nations. Vie’s research interest includes water quality and its impact on public health. Growing up in Peru, access to clean water has always hit home for Vie. She is an avid painter and crafter! She can be found with a paintbrush on any given Sunday. Vie also likes to spread awareness about obtaining a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Addressing the world’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) challenges is important to improve people’s health, especially those in most need, and it is a global issue that should not be underestimated. The Global WaSH student chapter engages its members in relevant conversations with faculty and professionals in the triangle area about topics such as access to clean water, basic sanitation, and good hygiene practices.”
Vice-President: Omoyemeh Jennifer Ile

Omoyemeh Jennifer Ile. Jennifer is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Forestry and Environmental Resources, after completing her Master’s degree in the same department in Spring 2020. Her research interests are in woody bioenergy crops; their productivity and the potential to improve agricultural soil health. Jennifer worked with internally displaced people in her home country Nigeria, where she encouraged sanitation in their camps, liaised with them to pick plastic trash, and trade it for profits in recycling companies. She likes gardening, watching movies, traveling, and trying out baking recipes.
“Global WaSHSC promotes the prevention and control of illnesses and diseases, thus improving health and the potential to increase socio-economic development globally. It also provides networking opportunities beneficial to a student’s career after school”. 

Treasurer: Haley Foard

 

Haley Foard is a sophomore in Environmental Engineering and Economics. She works in a research lab that works with the implications of air quality to human health by working on building a low-cost sensor of black and brown carbon and through simulating the impacts of boiling water on air quality. She also enjoys spending time in the outdoors and loves hiking and rock climbing. She also likes to make art on the canvas and in the kitchen. 
“As an Environmental Engineer, it is critical we stay engaged with global water sanitation to promote the health and safety of people around the world. Water sanitation and hygiene are critical to uplifting communities around the world and creating a healthy sustainable future for us all”. 

Secretary: Sean Daly

Sean is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, after completing a Master’s in Environmental Engineering in Spring 2020. He is a research assistant working with Dr. Angela Harris, where his research focuses on water use behaviors in low- and middle-income countries, creating exposure and risk models, and using new methods to assess water quality. Sean also enjoys camping, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family.

 
“Global water, sanitation, and hygiene deficiencies are among the largest causes of illness and death across the world. The interdisciplinary approach to solving WaSH issues is the intersection between solving engaging and complex engineering problems, and meaningful progress toward improving global health and quality of life.”

Social Media Chair: Sarah Coull

 

Sarah Coull is currently pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Engineering. She is interested in sustainable development, and her research interests include water and soil quality, GIS modeling, and how contaminants interact with the environment. Sarah is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves to create music in her spare time.
“Water is essential to life, and access to clean water and sanitation should be a basic human right. The Global WaSH Student Chapter provides opportunities to learn more about how these issues impact communities around the world, as well as have meaningful conversations about topics related to accessibility and sustainable community development.”

Advertising Head: Victoria Trexler

Victoria is currently pursuing a B.S. in Civil engineering. She is very interested in water quality around the world after being involved in a research project in E102. The research that was conducted by her group and herself focused on a purification method developed by P&G called the Purifier of Water. Victoria enjoys being active, cheering on the pack at any sporting event, and baking! 
“The Global WaSH allows student engagement and differing perspectives on these global issues among many people in different societies. This engagement also leads to a multitude of connections and networking opportunities among professionals.”

Webmaster/Photographer: Omkar Shelar

Omkar Shelar is currently pursuing a Masters in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering and Mechanics. Growing up in one of the developing countries, he noticed the scope of improvement in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. As a part of gratitude to nature, he wishes to contribute to the environment and society. He has worked on water conservation and watershed management in India. His hobbies include photography, gymming, and cooking. 
“Water, being one of the basic necessities of human life, needs utmost attention from human beings. Global Wash, Sanitation and Hygiene student chapter is a great opportunity for students from all departments to work together for the betterment of society. Students also get a chance to interact with the learned scholars and connect with the industry.”