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Synthia Parveen Mallick, a 25-year-old Master’s student at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, was awarded the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship that will fund her tuition, fees, and living costs during the 2016-2017 academic year while she studies environmental engineering.  

“This fellowship is a great motivation for me. I feel more confident now, like I can achieve more in my life,” said Mallick. “It almost brought tears to my eyes when I let my family know about this award!”

Mallick, a native of Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, came to the United States to study environmental engineering so that she can improve environmental conditions in her home country. She looks to discover low-cost technological solutions addressing challenges such as water treatment and waste management to help people, particularly women and children, in Bangladesh.

“Air, water, and sound pollution have become an inevitable part of the country, especially in urban areas,” she said. “Environmental degradation gets worse when the third world countries deal with it because of the vicious cycle of poverty. Low-cost solutions are necessary, and research in these areas needs to be conducted in the context of Bangladesh to improve the living conditions.”

Mallick is currently working with Renzun Zhao, assistant professor of civil engineering, in his project to identify and mitigate UV absorbance materials in landfill leachate. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering with a focus on low cost sustainable technology for water and wastewater treatment.

“The impact of this fellowship is beyond description in my life. As for its impact on society, AAUW is helping people who they believe would help the society in turn. AAUW awarded me as they think I will make some difference in the lives of the people of my country.”

AAUW International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the U.S. to women who are not American citizens or permanent residents. Recipients, both graduate and undergraduate, are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women.

AAUW promotes equity and education for women and has been a leading source of funding for graduate women for more than 125 years. Their mission is, “Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.”