COLUMBIA, Tenn.  — Two Columbia Central High School students, Junior, Alexis Kilpatrick, and Senior, Mackenzie Rosen, were awarded Hach Water Quality Equipment grants, national awards that provide high school researchers with professional-grade tools to support water quality investigations.

The grants are part of a competitive program designed to increase students’ access to high-quality water testing equipment for use in research projects, especially those being developed for the USA Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. The grant helps students explore real-world environmental challenges by enabling them to collect accurate field and laboratory water quality data.

“Alexis and Mackenzie’s commitment to scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship reflects the best of our school’s academic values,” said Emily Stafford, chemistry, physics and STEM teacher at Columbia Central High School. “Only 20 students across the United States received equipment through the grant. We are proud of Alexis and Mackenzie for earning this recognition!”

Alexis and Mackenzie were selected based on the strength and innovation of their proposed research projects, which focus on testing wastewater disinfection methods and building a device to decrease pollution in rivers. The equipment they receive will enhance their ability to measure key water quality indicators and strengthen their research for upcoming science competitions and presentations.

The Hach Water Quality Equipment grants support students as they prepare entries for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, a prestigious international competition celebrating high school research that addresses water-related issues. The program encourages interest in STEM careers and the development of solutions to water challenges affecting communities around the globe.

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