Detroit Country Day School students present original research at international competition in the Netherlands

As the culmination of an extensive research project and university collaboration, three Detroit Country Day Upper School students were the sole representatives from the U.S. to present their original research in the Netherlands at the International Water Conference “Water is Life.”

Designed to raise awareness and increase education, cooperation, and raise a scientific dialogue about critical global water issues, the 2016 International Water Conference was hosted by Maurick College in Vught, North Brabant, Netherlands. The conference drew more than 150 students from around the world to share their work, research findings, and culture.

The students, Arnav Mahajan (junior – Troy), Revanth Manam (junior – West Bloomfield), and Aniket Paharia (sophomore – Bloomfield Twp.) analyzed algal growth in municipal waters with Oakland University environmental chemistry professor Linda Schweitzer. The DCDS students tested a commercial product designed to prevent algal growth from making fresh water undrinkable through the release of toxins and formation of carcinogens. Over the course of several months, the DCDS students were able to narrow the dosage range necessary to inhibit algal growth without causing harm to the drinking water, which could eventually lead to big improvements in fresh water around the country. They presented their results at the conference.

“The most important outcome of the project was the broadening of our students’ perspectives, to think beyond their local communities, and to foster a generation of global cooperation,” said Marc Drougel, DCDS Upper School science teacher, who managed the students’ water project. “My goals for the students were to gain a better understanding of global water related issues and to interact with students from around the world in order to realize that global issues can be addressed with local solutions.”

While in the Netherlands, the DCDS students stayed with host families, went on excursions around the country and interacted with the international scientists, researchers, and professors who spoke at the conference. The next installment of the conference will take place in 2018.

Detroit Country Day School offers students from preschool through high school an exemplary education rooted in academic rigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The school is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational, college preparatory school nationally recognized for excellence in academics, athletics, and the fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914 by F. Alden Shaw, Detroit Country Day School today enrolls more than 1,500 students on four campuses located in Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.dcds.edu.