After moving to the Pacific Northwest, water was never a question or issue, constant rain, surrounded by bodies of water, and swimming pools where I’ve spent countless hours training for water polo. Through my research internship with the Open Earth Alliance, I discovered a different reality. In places like KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, water is nearly impossible to attain, and clean water is even harder.

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Using Python, I analyzed LandSat satellite imagery to calculate the NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index). NDWI is an algorithm to compare water levels, color, and water quality. This research and analysis led me to understand how communities suffer and fail when their rivers and air are polluted and clean water disappears.

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This work has changed the way that I see the sport I love and, more importantly, helped me better understand how truly fortunate we are. I want to combine the lessons I've learned through this research with the joy I feel in the water, to help protect one of the world’s most important resources. My goal was to make a easy to use tutorial for young STEM students, like my 6th grade sister Meena, to gather information and make changes in their neighborhoods and communties. I believe we can all make a difference if we put our hearts and minds to it.