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Breathing Easier: How Students in North Macedonia are Tackling Air Pollution with Innovative Tech
Air pollution is a global health crisis, often invisible and insidious. The World Health Association (WHO) warns that particulate matter in the air can cause serious health problems, frequently enough without any immediate warning - earning it the chilling moniker of “silent killer.” Now, a team of bright engineering students in North Macedonia is taking direct action, leveraging technology to empower their community with vital information and protect vulnerable populations.
The Challenge: Invisible Threats & Vulnerable Populations
cities worldwide grapple with air quality issues.But understanding the extent of the problem, and making that information accessible to those most at risk, is a critically important hurdle. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their lungs and immune systems are still developing. Exposure to pollutants can have long-lasting consequences, impacting their health and well-being.
What We Breathe: A Student-Led Solution
Recognizing this critical need, students at Sts. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje launched “What We Breathe,” an innovative project designed to measure and publicize local air pollution levels in real-time. this isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a practical, community-focused initiative with the potential to improve public health.
The project, affiliated with IEEE’s EPICS (Engineering Projects In Community Service) program, focuses on raising awareness and driving positive change. Here’s how it works:
* Real-time Monitoring: Custom-built sensing units detect particulate matter, temperature, and humidity.
* Data Transmission: Data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to a public server every five minutes.
* Public Accessibility: A display unit retrieves and presents the data, making it readily available to the public.
* Targeted Focus: Initial deployment prioritizes schools, protecting the most vulnerable demographic.
From Concept to Reality: The Engineering Behind the Project
The “What We Breathe” project wasn’t simply about building a sensor. It was a comprehensive engineering experience for the ten participating students. Led by electronics professor Josif Kjosev, the team navigated the entire project lifecycle, gaining invaluable skills in:
* Budget planning and resource management
* Team coordination and collaboration
* Troubleshooting and problem-solving
* Delivering tangible, real-world results
“Our goal is to provide peopel with information on current pollution levels so they can make informed decisions regarding their exposure and take protective measures,” explains Andrej Ilievski, an IEEE student member and computer hardware engineering student. “We chose to focus on schools first as children’s lungs and immune systems are still developing, making them one of our population’s most vulnerable demographics.”
Rafael Gustavo Ramos Noriega, a team member, highlights the practical impact: “By leading everything from budget planning to the final installation, I have experienced firsthand all the stages of a real engineering project…delivering tangible results.”
The Power of Partnerships: IEEE EPICS & Society Support
The success of “What We Breathe” is a testament to the power of collaboration. The project received $8,645 in funding from the IEEE Industry Consortium (IMS). More importantly, it benefited from the support of the IEEE EPICS program and partnerships with IEEE societies.
These partnerships provide:
* Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals within relevant IEEE societies.
* Funding Opportunities: Access to grants and financial support for projects.
* Networking: Opportunities to connect with peers and experts at conferences.
* Real-World Submission: A platform to apply theoretical knowledge to pressing societal challenges.
This collaborative approach not only enhances the student experience but also fosters a deeper engagement with the IEEE and its mission. It motivates students to apply their skills to real-world problems, strengthening their communities and building a pipeline of future engineering leaders.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact and Empowering Communities
The initial deployment of “What We Breathe” has been met with enthusiasm from students and educators alike. The team is already planning future iterations
