Eric Evans, B.S., M.S., and currently a Ph.D. candidate at ISU, has accepted the position of President of ISUWQC. Eric’s master’s research involved studying nitrification at the Ames Water Pollution Control Plant. Kris Mach, B.S., M.S., will be Secretary/Treasurer of the student chapter and is a Ph.D. candidate as well. Kris’ master’s study involved the initial development of the Static Granular Bed Reactor (SGBR) for treating low-strength wastewaters. She and an associate professor at ISU, Dr. Tim Ellis, have applied for a patent for this process as co-inventors.

Scott Wienands addresses the troops and guards the food.

Dr. Ellis, who will act as advisor for the club, is currently evaluating a technique that can be used as an early warning system for toxicity in wastewater treatment plants from petroleum sources. An assistant professor at ISU, Dr. Shih Wu Sung, has also helped the club to attract members. Dr. Sung worked with the late Dr. Richard Dague on the temperature-phased anaerobic digester (TPAD) process and is currently working on the development of an anaerobic culture that produces hydrogen as the off gas and another project involving the utilization of the sulfur cycle.

Rhonda Guy demonstrates a benefit of being a dairy farmer.

The picnic took on an international flair as prospective student members from the United States, China, Thailand and Nepal were in attendance. IWPCA Past President Scott Wienands informed the students about the benefits of IWPCA membership. Dave Millard, Tom Neumann and Ed Brinton related personal observations of the advantages they enjoy through their involvement with IWPCA. The highlight of the evening was definitely the homemade ice cream provided by Rhonda Guy.

Submitted by Jim McElvogue