Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications
When Caddo Magnet High School sophomore Vennela Malireddy won regionals and then state for the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition, Louisiana Tech University Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Technology Dr. Shaurav Alam was not surprised.
Last winter, Malireddy worked with Alam and doctoral engineering student Tulie Chakma in the Advanced Material Research Lab, where she studied the growing problem of microplastics in water. Under their guidance, she devised a novel method to remove the plastics, one well-known to every gumbo-loving Louisianian: okra juice.
“Vennela’s project not only addresses a critical global issue but also highlights the potential for young scientists to lead the way in environmental conservation,” Alam said. “We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and excited about her future contributions to science and technology. We would like to thank her Caddo Magnet science teacher, Mrs. Cameron Hall, for supporting her work with us.”
The Stockholm International Water Institute founded the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious high school water research awards. The competition encourages young people to solve water-related challenges, fostering a growing interest in environmental and water sciences.
Malireddy also represented Louisiana at the national competition in Denver, Colorado.
