Environmental – CA Work Experience Program

Day 1: Vector Textiles – Environmental Modeling

Today was our first day working with Mr. Self at Vector Textiles. Our goal throughout these two weeks is to research the environmental impacts of a certain chemical commonly found in mosquito nets: permethrin. As Vector Textiles’ mosquito net repels mosquitoes without the use of chemicals, it would prevent any adverse effects of permethrin on the ecosystem. It is our job, however, to find out more specific information about this chemical’s effects on Sub-Saharan Africa. We spent the day planning our schedule for the upcoming two weeks along with doing some initial research about the chemical. Overall, I am super excited to do more in-depth research about these environmental impacts!

Vector Textiles Environmental Modeling Day 1

Today marked our first day working with Mark Self, CEO of Vector Textiles. Vector Textiles is a company that creates chemical-free insect and bite resistant clothing and nets. We started off the day with a meeting where Mr. Self explained what are research topic is, which is to explain the environmental consequences of permethrin, a chemical used in mosquito repellent, in sub-Saharan Africa. Afterwards my groupmates and I held our own meeting where we drafted a plan for the following days, then we finished off the day with individual research. As I learned more about permethrin and some of its effects I realized how easy it can be for products containing harmful chemicals to contaminate the environment, and that once the chemical is in the environment it can easily be exposed to humans, plants, and animals. Therefore it is important that those types of products are carefully regulated.

Day 4: Protect the Environment!

Today, I met with the environmental team at SEPI. Their main responsibility is to predict and monitor the environmental impacts that different construction projects can have. This includes the impact on wetlands, endangered species, ecosystems, wildlife, etc. Their job also includes securing permits for construction projects that may impact the surrounding environment from the state. I was with a team today whose job is to go and scout out different potential project sites and the environment around them. They take notes of any wetlands or bodies of water nearby, types of plants, soil, and other environmental aspects, and then place flag markers on or near any notable areas. Their job site today was a mile-long stretch of road in Durham, but the area was pretty urban and didn’t have much vegetation or soil to observe, so we ended up just leaving and eating lunch at Smash Burger instead. A successful day in my book!