Purdue University has been involved in Citizens Energy Group’s Partnership for Excellance in Research and Learning (PERL) since 2016. PERL offers Citizens an opportunity to connect with the workforce of the next generation and collaborate on solutions to real-world challenges while providing college students with professional development opportunities. Ten students and three faculty members were engaged in three projects over the 2022-2023 academic year.
The White River North Treatment Plant expansion team assessed the performance of the existing filtration complex and chemical systems to determine what improvements may be required to expand the facility from 34 million gallons per day (MGD) to 49 MGD. The four Purdue students involved in the project leveraged what they learned in their water treatment classes to determine next steps. While the student project was separate from the Capital Programs & Engineering project, the students were able to sit in on capital project design team meetings to see how their assessments compared to professional engineering assessments. Upon graduation, all four students chose to continue working in the water industry in the Midwest.
Master’s degree candidate Madie Ritter worked with Professor Jacob Hosen on another project to assess the efficacy of Purdue-developed sensors at various depths within Citizens Reservoir (depth: 230 feet) and Geist Reservoir (average depth: 10 feet). The research included deployment of a single buoy within Citizens Reservoir and two buoys near the Geist dam. Data is presently being analyzed and will be used as the basis for future student-engagement opportunities.
The third team assessed the performance of the existing Fall Creek High Service Pump Station, with a focus on pumping system performance and environmental remediation. Students determined possible solutions for improvements to the stations by considering pump age, performance, efficiency degradation, maintenance costs, and environmental hazards. Students ultimately recommended building a new pump station adjacent to the existing site, concluding that such an approach may save resources by minimizing the unknown construction risk associated with rehabilitating the existing station. All four students within the team are now working in the water industry, with three working in Indiana.
Citizens’ PERL team looks forward to continued partnership with Purdue University as we strive to support the workforce of the next generation.
