Geared toward current undergraduate students, this talk focuses on the application of floating treatment wetland technology for a senior capstone project and how this experience as an undergraduate student can contribute to broader career development in the field of ecological engineering. Floating treatment wetlands are planted floating platforms within bodies of water that can contribute to ecosystem and human health by providing habitat, biodiversity, and water quality improvements. The talk will outline the potential for maximizing the structure’s ability to treat dissolved nutrients in a stormwater pond setting through material selection and physical orientation. Additional reflections on providing the project sponsor with valuable deliverables and how that compares to other project, work, class, and organizational experiences are discussed through a student lens.

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Alexander graduated in Spring 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, specializing in Ecological Engineering. During his time at The Ohio State University, he served as both President and Projects Chair for the university’s Ecological Engineering Society Chapter, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. He is currently a first-year Master’s student at the University of Georgia and a Ducks Unlimited Fellow. His experience includes an internship with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, as well as on-campus research focused on treatment methods for Harmful Algal Blooms.