Empowering the Community: Denham Springs High School Students Innovating for Environmental Awareness
Key Ideas
  • Denham Springs High School students, known as the Sharks, are utilizing STEM skills to monitor Lake Maurepas and inform the community about environmental changes.
  • The students are developing a mobile app to relay sensor data, aiming to raise awareness and provide transparency regarding a proposed $4.5 billion 'blue' hydrogen production plant in Ascension Parish.
  • Their project has gained support from various organizations and experts, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and community involvement in addressing environmental concerns.
  • The Sharks' impactful initiative has garnered recognition, winning the state-level Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition and advancing to the national stage.
In Denham Springs, Louisiana, a group of students from Denham Springs High School, known as the Sharks, are taking proactive steps to empower their community by creating awareness about environmental changes. The students, part of a STEM group, have been monitoring Lake Maurepas using sensors to track data, which they then communicate through a mobile app. This initiative serves to keep residents informed about the condition of the lake amidst proposed industrial developments. Air Products and Chemicals have put forward plans for a significant 'blue' hydrogen production plant in Ascension Parish. While hydrogen is acknowledged for its industrial utility, the project also aligns with the global shift towards sustainable manufacturing fuels with minimal carbon emissions. The company aims to capture a vast majority of carbon-dioxide emissions from the production process, with plans to store it underground near Lake Maurepas. However, concerns have been raised by residents and stakeholders regarding potential environmental risks. Khadija Henni, the president of the Sharks group, emphasized the importance of community engagement and awareness. The students are utilizing various technologies and coding platforms to develop the app, with a focus on long-term sustainability. By fostering transparency and education, they aspire to alleviate concerns related to the carbon capture project. The Sharks have received support and guidance from organizations like Southeastern Louisiana University and Dr. Katherine Romanak from the University of Texas. Dr. Romanak, impressed by the students' initiative, highlighted the global relevance of their project. The Sharks' dedication to addressing environmental issues led them to be recognized as state winners in a national STEM competition, showcasing the impact of their work on carbon capture and community empowerment.
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