WEST Center engineers recognized at AZ Water events
University of Arizona researchers at the AZ Water Research Symposium. Left to right: Michael Hegetschweiler, Ariana Tariqi, Jeb Shingler, Varinia Felix, Mervin Lim, Reema Shinh, and Simran Singh. Photo courtesy of Bianca Miguel de Souza Chaves.
As reported by WEST Center researcher Dr. Bianca Miguel de Souza Chaves, outstanding students from the University of Arizona's engineering program were recognized at several AZ Water Association events in Spring 2025. In March, students from the UA's WateResiliency Program attended the 2025 AZ Water Research Symposium in Phoenix. Varinia Felix won 1st place in Best Poster Awards, while Arianna Tariqi earned a 2nd place standing. Both students are advised by Dr. Kerri Hickenbottom in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering.
Mervin Lim (left) and Ariana Tariqi (right) at 2025 AZ Water Annual Conference and Exhibition. Photo courtesy of Bianca Miguel de Souza Chaves.
Again in April, students working with WEST Center researchers drew a spotlight for their exceptional work. During the AZ Water Association's 98th Annual Conference and Exhibition at the Phoenix Convention Center, Mervin Lim and Arianna Tariqi earned 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the event's Annual Student Poster Competition. Mervin, advised by UA faculty and WEST Center Deputy Director Dr. Andrea Achilli, presented the poster "Universal Pretreatment System to Achieve High Water Recovery from Concentrated Brine." This project is co-authored by UA researchers Tenzin Phakdon, Andrea Achilli, and James Farrell. Arianna presented research titled "Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration: A Hybrid Approach for Brackish Water Desalination," co-authored with Anthony Straub, Luis Cruzado, Kerri Hickenbottom, and Vicky Karanikola.
Congratulations to Varinia Felix, Arianna Tariqi, and Mervin Lim!