Madagascar water sensor project supports community-led conservation efforts worldwide
William & 玛丽 students are part of an interdisciplinary team developing accessible, low-cost tools to support community-led conservation efforts in Madagascar and around the world! In collaboration with Conservation International, the Moore Center for Science, and Malagasy communities, student teams have created a low-cost water sensor that enables local communities to monitor the impact of forest restoration on water quality in Madagascar.
This project brings together faculty and students from chemistry, engineering, and data science to collaborate with conservation partners in support of community-driven environmental efforts. The initiative began in 2023 with Fiona Gordon '25, Sophia Holincheck ’24, and Michael Hervien Fenomanarivo and continued in 2024 with contributions from Jacob Timko ’24 and Leo Eichers ’25. Mentored by an interdisciplinary team including Professors Nathanael Kidwell and Jonathan Frey, P.E. from William & 玛丽, Dr. Maíra Ometto Bezerra and Dr. Kashif Shaad from the Moore Center for Science, and Jeannicq Randrianarisoa, Rindra Raveloarison, and Leonard Akwany Jr. from Conservation International, these students have received incredible mentorship. Now in its third year, W&M students Mandy Joyce '26 and Cy Strain-Seymour '26 will continue refining and testing the sensor.
READ MORE about how this innovative, accessible tool can support communities in Madagascar and around the world to restore vital water sources.
