Oregon State University stands ready to tackle that challenge, with help from a visionary gift to the College of Engineering. 

A $3.28 million commitment from Jon and Stephanie DeVaan has allowed OSU to launch the Clean and Sustainable Water Technology Initiative. The effort, led by Lewis Semprini, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering (pictured below), will build on the university’s strengths to become a national leader in designing, building, and testing systems-level approaches to the problem of access to clean water. 

Lewis SempriniFaculty in the College of Engineering and across campus are recognized nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research related to water systems. Several specialize in advanced technologies for treating drinking water, wastewater, and storm water, while others focus on the infrastructure needed for sustainable water management.

The DeVaans’ gift will support graduate students who join faculty research on clean and sustainable water technology solutions. Their gift will also allow undergraduate students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, developing their research skills and their passion for finding practical solutions to this critical global problem. Continue