Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) provides UMD students of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience with the opportunity to engage in scaffolded, multidisciplinary team-based projects.
VIP Team Information
VIP Team
Water Quality, Outreach, and Wellness - WOW, What a Team!
VIP Faculty Mentors:
Dr. Brienna Anderson
Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health
Ms. Shannon Edward
Public Health Science
Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein
Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health
Meeting Location, Day & Time:
Weekly Meeting: School of Public Health (SPH) 2234CC, Thursdays 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Research Space: SPH Environmental Microbiology Labs (SPH 2121-2133)
Description:
Our team uses a One Health approach to holistically evaluate risks to human, animal, and environmental health. The largest spill in U.S. history occurred in January 2026 when the Potomac Interceptor collapsed, releasing over 300 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. We are testing water, soil, and plants from the Potomac and nearby areas for pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms as well as general water quality parameters, and developing public health communication materials.
The team will meet in SPH 2234CC (GEOH Conference Room), the SPH Environmental Microbiology Labs (2121-2133), or online (via Zoom) weekly as described in the syllabus. The GEOH conference room will be used for in-person lectures and discussions. We will engage in hands-on work in the Environmental Microbiology Labs facilitated by Dr. Rachel Goldstein in which students will explore a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment.
Students will be exposed to basic laboratory operations, safety protocols, and water processing techniques.
Methods:
The team is part of the UMD Water Quality, Outreach, and Wellness (WOW) Lab led by Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein.
We research all aspects of water quality from irrigation water used in urban agriculture to sanitary sewer overflows, including the Potomac Interceptor collapse, which occurred in January 2026, releasing hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River. We collect water and soil samples and analyze them from bacteria including E. coli, enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus and its antibiotic-resistant form MRSA.
As part of this experience, alongside the multi-disciplinary team of researchers, professionals, and community partners, students will:
Conduct laboratory trainings and visits: learn about the safety and operating procedures of a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory from Public Health Microbiologists
Analyze data: students will work with real data sets (e.g., precipitation, temperature, bacterial levels, sanitary sewer overflows, etc.)
Synthesize and communicate research findings: students will work collaboratively to create scientific graphics and posters to visualize their data and present their work to their peers
Have the opportunity to gain field experience: performing water and soil sample collection and attending community engagement events
Majors:
Global Health
Public Health Science
Plant Science
Geology
Any other STEM or similar major
Preferred Interests:
No specific skills are required to join our VIP Team. However, previous experience in microbiological methods, data analysis, community engagement, or other relevant work experience in a team environment is preferred.