Safe Drinking Water Project in Mexico Open to UMSN Students

Apply by April 29 for three-week project that takes place in June.

“This experience gave me a better understanding of how projects are done on a large scale,” says Lucia Michaelazzo Ceroni, one of three University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) students who participated in the trip in 2012. “Focusing on the world's issue of water supplies and hygiene practices is vital to reduce health risks that millions of people are facing.”

For the third year in a row, U-M Ross School of Business Professor Noel Tichy is leading U-M and West Point students to Mexico to develop plans to utilize the Procter and Gamble (P&G) Purifier of Water. Nursing students are encouraged to participate in the interdisciplinary experience.  

 A focus of the 2012 trip was developing a detailed response plan in case of an emergency. “The different areas, or states, had different needs,” says UMSN senior Kelley VanMaldeghem. “We went to one of them and they have a volcano they’re worried about becoming active. We had questions about the ash contaminating water and that was something new.”

“This experience gave me an insight of the business aspect of health,” says Jillian Kay, a UMSN senior and 2012 trip participant. “It furthered my understanding of teamwork, professionalism, and global need for help. Also, I realized with a nursing degree you not only can go into patient care, but also global health.”

The 2013 project is accepting applications until Monday, April 29. The 2013 project will be based in Mexico City and take place the first 3 weeks in June. All travel and living expenses will be paid.