https://www.wastenautsubc.com/
Amount of funding awarded
$1506.51
Budget Report
View budget report.
How the program has supported you
To begin the Polyester and cotton research we needed to purchase lab grade equipment to replicate the published experiments. We started with lower grade equipment that was more readily available but as soon as we realized we needed hotplates with full temperature control and a combined stirrer to get more precise results, we invested in lab-grade quality. We also invested in proper safety equipment for all our team members since the chemicals we were experimenting with had significant health risks (including lab coats, goggles, masks and gloves). The SCOBY leather project requires less funds overall since there are no hazardous substances involved but we still needed proper glassware to complete the experiment.
Outcomes
There was direct benefit to 10 engineering students from September 2021 to August 2022. During the 2021 term, 4 student members practice making connections and reaching out to organizations to gather research on textile recycling programs they could implement at UBC. Three of those members continued to the next cycle and were joined by new members to practice technical lab skills. This included learning safe practices in the lab, as well as recording and reflecting on observations. The project leaders have developed mentorship and management skills along with organizational and communication skills.
