Apr 10, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. -

A Harvey Mudd College student team won third place in the 2012 International Environmental Design Contest held last week in Las Cruces, N.M.

It was the first time HMC had entered the contest, which challenges students to solve real-world issues involving water, energy and the environment. Engineering students from across the country presented oral, written, poster and bench-scale demonstrations of their innovative environmental solutions.

“I suggested our students enter the competition to gain a larger perspective on the aspects of international engineering projects,” said Adrian Hightower, assistant professor of engineering. “Aside from the technical merit, this competition emphasized rigorous analysis of the social and economic impact of the project on the local community.”

HMC team members Jinhwa Chun ’12, Ozzie Gooen ’12, Sam Ettinger ’12, Sunhwi Bang ’14 and Carolina Reyes ’14 presented their research and design solutions to a panel of judges comprised of environmental professionals.

Their project, “Implementing a Sustainable Micro-Hydroelectric Station in Latin American Communities,” proposed the installation of a micro-hydroturbine system to provide energy to the indigenous Talamanca community in one of the poorest regions in Costa Rica. The work involves collaboration with local residents, local universities and Asociación para la Ciencia y la Educación Moral (ACEM), a local non-governmental organization.

Read more about the project here.