Gabi Lachapel

I was born in Dominican Republic in June of 1990 then later moved to and was raised in Northern New Jersey. I’m currently a Junior at Lafayette College double majoring in Engineering Studies and Economics, in addition to participating in co-curricular organizations such as America Reads America Counts, Society of Women Engineers, and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. There has always been an emphasis on civic engagement since my high school career began. I realized early on the importance of giving back, developing relationships with other citizens, and social responsibility. Similarly, I have learned that the idea of sustainability assumes a certain role of personal responsibility, especially when dealing with situations regarding health and sanitation. During our time there, I hope to adequately serve the people in Honduras with the anticipation that they will one day will be able to do the same for someone else.

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Joelle Neilson

I am the second eldest out of five siblings born and raised in Philadelphia. My parents are originally from Jamaica where they migrated to New York and then sequentially moved to Pennsylvania. I am currently a rising junior at Lafayette College majoring in Engineering Studies (concentration in civil engineering) with a minor in Architecture. I have always been active throughout my life, whether it was in the classroom, community, church, or on an asphalt track. I am a member of Lafayette’s Varsity Track and Team and I am currently active in various organizations on campus. For instance, I am the membership coordinator for Minority of Scientist and Engineers (MSE), special event and public relations coordinator for PAC (mentoring program), and the historian for the Association of Black Collegians (ABC). Once an alumnus of Lafayette said you could be an engineer with a lower case “e” that solves mathematical problems and boxes in the answer.  Or you can be an uppercase “E” engineer that actually designs and constructs infrastructure that can used for a whole civilization. I strive to be an uppercase “E” engineer that changes the world one step at a time!

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Dan Moran

I am a senior Civil & Environmental Engineering major with an Architectural Studies minor at Lafayette College.  I was born in Costa Rica and lived there until I was four years old, when my family moved to Maine. Due to this experience, I have always had an interest in visiting new places and learning about different cultures, and have tried to make seeing the world a large part of my life. Here at Lafayette, I have become fascinated by finding sustainable solutions to engineering problems, becoming involved in projects through the Society for Environmental Engineers and Scientists (SEES) and Engineers Without Borders. I am honored to have been selected to the IRES program and exited to have the opportunity to work on a project that combines my interests and gives me the opportunity to make a difference by contributing to such a worthy and important cause. I plan to use the experience I gain this summer to make a positive contribution to our global society throughout my career.

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Michael Trejo

I am a junior at Lafayette College with a major in Engineering Studies (concentration in engineering management). Although I was born and raised in Falls Church, Virginia right outside of Washington D.C. my family emigrated from El Salvador to Virginia. Throughout my two years on campus I have been involved in numerous clubs and organizations such as the Landis Community Outreach Center, Minority Scientist and Engineers, Engineers without Borders, and Zeta Psi Fraternity. My involvement with Engineers without Borders provided a different perspective on water sustainability projects and this program will allow me the opportunity to learn and be open minded with approaching water and sanitation sustainability systems.