Water INTERface: Interdisciplinary Research Transcending Boundaries of Engineering, Science, and Human Health

Water INTERface: INTERdisciplinary Research Transcending Boundaries of Engineering Science, and Human Health

• WHAT? WATER is EVERYWHERE, essential for LIFE, but not always supplied in the appropriate QUALITY and QUANTITY.
• WHO? Collaborative interdisciplinary teams of scientists (physical, biological, health, and social) and engineers that evaluate and implement cost-effective sustainable solutions to global water challenges with integration of technology, health, safety, and public perception issues. 
• WHY? Shortages of fresh water for drinking and agriculture are projected to occur around the world as illustrated by this quote: ""¦.global water consumption is doubling every 20 years, and the United Nations expects demand to outstrip supply by more than 30% come 2040" (Newsweek, October 2010). Demand for usable water necessitates taking poor quality water -waste water (industrial, agricultural, municipal) or sea water- and processing it to meet higher and/or drinking water standards. Technical solutions exist to process water of low quality water into higher quality freshwater. Yet, changes in chemical, nutrient, microbial, and sensory characteristics will influence water use, safety, consumption, health benefits, and risks. In addition, public perception and acceptance of feasible engineering solutions for solving water shortages play important roles in societal adoption of technologies. Collaborative interdisciplinary teams of scientists (physical, biological, health, and social) and engineers that evaluate and implement cost-effective sustainable solutions to global water challenges with integration of technology, health, safety, and public perception issues.
• WHEN? NOW.
• WHERE? Virginia Tech Graduate School and the Departments of
  • Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Biology
    

 

Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Water INTERface IGEP Students include:

• Involvement with Water INTERface IGEP community and activities.
• Participation in blogging and research presentations.
• Possibility of partial GRA and travel funding.
• Earn a 9 credit Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Water and Health Science:
• Advanced Interdisciplinary Issues and Ethics in Water Resources  (GEOG 5134), Research Ethics in Agriculture and Life Sciences (ALS 5324), or Engineering Ethics and the Public (CEE 5804) (3 credits)
• Water for Health Seminar (GRAD 5414) (1 credit)
• Interdisciplinary Research (GRAD 5134) (3 credits)
• Independent Research Study (GRAD 5974) (2-3 credits)

What You'll Need

Transcripts

Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

Letters of Recommendation

Check to see whether your department requires letters of recommendation from references. If so, you can include the letter writers' email addresses in your online application, or have the people you ask to write those lettes send paper copies directly to your program’s department.

Graduate School Testing Requirements

The Graduate School does not require entrance tests, but check to see whether your department requires you to submit GRE, GMAT, or subject test scores with your application. If so, have the testing agency send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859. 

International students may be required to submit TOEFL scores. 

Application Fees

Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application, though check to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee. All application fees are non-refundable.

Refund procedure

All application fees are non-refundable.