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Valerie Mao
CEO
Valerie, an Architectural Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, founded The Student Water Project™ to bridge the gap between student energy and real-world impact.
About
Students building solutions, not just awareness
We fund and build real infrastructure, in partnership with world-class engineers.
The Student Water Project™ is a student-led initiative that partners with professional engineers to deploy UV water purification systems in schools and communities that lack access to clean drinking water.
Students lead fundraising efforts at their schools and communities. Every dollar raised goes directly toward a specific, verified project. Industry-leading partner engineers and scientists guide our student team through the technical implementation process.
We work alongside A Drop of Hope, led by award-winning PhD Dr. Paul Nyangaresi, to identify communities with the greatest need and coordinate on-the-ground deployment.
Students receive impact reports, track project progress, and see exactly where their effort goes. Education through action.
Our Student Leadership Team
Meet the People Behind the Mission
TSWP is led by a passionate team of students, researchers, and advisors working together to create real, lasting change through clean water innovation.
Sophia Yenson
COO
Sophia Yenson, a science student at UBC, is the COO of The Student Water Project. After raising $44,000+ in a high school fundraiser, she brings expertise in both fundraising and outreach coordination.
Grace Churney
CMO
Grace Churney is a chemical engineering student at McMaster University. Along with her experience as the chair of London Ontario's Relay for Life, she is a local artist and graphic designer.
Mariana Trillos
CTO
Mariana Trillos, an Honours ACB student at McGill University. While conducting research in genetics and neuroscience at UWO and McGill, she offers support for the Jr. Scientific Team as they write their research journals.
Jamie Barclay
Communications Lead
Jamie Barclay, an Honours History student at the University of Guelph, is a passionate writer who believes storytelling can turn awareness into tangible change.
Vince Mao
Student Liaison
Vince Mao, a Grade 11 student, connects TSWP with the students it serves by gathering feedback and designing programs that help students of all ages make a tangible impact.
Ron Blutrich
Senior Advisor
Co-founder of Clear Inc., an industry-leading UV water purification company, Ron brings experience in industry leadership to the project.
Dr. Denise Rebello, PhD
Senior Partner
Dr. Rebello, a Senior Scientist at Clear Inc., provides strategic guidance on future water initiatives.
Dr. Paul Nyangaresi, PhD
Senior Project Coordinator
Dr. Nyangaresi is a UBC civil engineering post-doc. He is the 2024 winner of the Mitacs Research Award for his first initiative in Kenya. The Student Water Project will expand on his developed system.