Jasmine Hsu
Project Abstract
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Our group worked with the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources to consult on the issue of an algal bloom in Ozora Lake in Loganville, Georgia. Our task was to stop the algal blooms from occurring during warmer weather, a problem that had not been present in the area until very recently in the area.
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We began the process by collecting information from different perspectives to gain a more cohesive understanding of the problem. We communicated with professors and professionals in the field to help explain the logistical sides of the problem.
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Our team used the information to come up with many potential prototypes, with an emphasis on benefiting the surrounding area of the lake with the minimal amount of disturbance. We worked with the University of Georgia water and soil department as well as the school drone team to collect water samples from the lake. The sampling results determined how we guided our final solution.
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This project taught us the components of design thinking and led us through each step, so it gave us all a more introspective view on how to tackle a professional issue.
Prototype Ideas
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Video Interview with Dr Lorraine Backer
Dr Backer is a current researcher at the Central for Disease Control and specialises in studying how cyanobacteria and algae may be harmful to the environment. I interviewed her during the Design Thinking process to listen to her insight into the possibilities of why the algal bloom was occurring, and used her suggestions on how to approach the issue to further our final group solution and guide our process.
Resume
