OU Conference Aims to Help Developing Countries

Approximately 180 experts will convene in Norman for the 2019 University of Oklahoma International Water Technologies for Emerging Regions (WaTER) Conference. The two-day conference is aimed at bringing water and sanitation to developing countries.

Session topics will be led by experts in the industries of science, engineering, health, anthropology, sociology, business, meteorology, geography, education and cultural issues.

Martha Gebeyehu is the 2019 recipient of the OU International Water Prize for her work as a coordinator for Ethiopia’s Water Expertise and Training Center. There, she trains fellow Ethiopians to manage their own water and sanitation.

Gebeyehu began her career as the first water quality analyst for the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Development Commission. It was there that she developed a laboratory, began implementing safe testing practices, and started the first water quality workshops.

The Sixth OU International WaTER Conference takes place at the National Center of Employee Development Conference Center in Norman Sept. 16-18. The award ceremony will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. Click here to learn more and to also register for the event.

OU’s WaTER Center seeks to develop sustainable solutions through integrating technology, business and social understanding.