Michael Chen: A Novel Method to Alleviate the Water Crisis in Uganda

What did the RSDA scholarship mean to you?

The RSDA scholarship was first and foremost an amazing recognition of the work that I put into my research. I’m thankful and honored to have this award. It also gave me the motivation and means to continue my experiment.

In what way(s), if any, have you continued your commitment to sustainability in the time since you participated in ISEF?

Since I competed in ISEF, I continued growing an environmental club at my high school. I’ve also kept a strong interest in helping the environment which motivates what I’ve been doing as a student at MIT.

I see improving the environment as one of the most important tasks we have as citizens of the world. As for my career, I’m interested in social entrepreneurship as a means to improve the environment.

Why is it important for today’s businesses to embrace sustainability?

Unlike politicians, businesses can make rapid changes that can have a major impact on the world. Companies are also responsible for the majority of the environmental damage and it’s crucial they are held accountable. It’s also important for today’s businesses to find ways to be profitable while putting the environment at the forefront. Consumers are eager to support companies that embrace sustainability.

What is the greatest opportunity you see in the world to make progress toward protecting our planet?

A few months ago, I heard a talk from Dan Brunner. He raised the largest ever private equity round for his company, Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Hearing the incredible progress his company has made in nuclear fusion has really shown me that this has the potential to be the energy source of the future in a reasonable timespan.