Michael Marchica

Title of Work:

The Importance of the Monitorization of Air Quality in Universities

Abstract:

Air quality is the study of the atmospheric pollutants we breathe every day. To increase public health, we must put a focus on monitoring the air quality of our public spaces, especially in schools and universities. During my internship at the University of Zaragoza, I worked on different studies on air quality and energy efficiency. I worked with the Sensorizar team at the Rio Ebro Campus to monitor carbon dioxide levels in the classrooms. The university has air quality sensors in three buildings that measure temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide. Part of my work focused on finding ways to increase ventilation inside classrooms that had high carbon dioxide levels. This study focuses on presenting ways we can help our universities maintain good air quality for their students. I will focus on air conditioning systems, mechanical and natural ventilation, and forms of air purification.

Title of Work (IGP Language):

Valor de Medición de Calidad de Aire en Universidades

Abstract (IGP Language):

La calidad de aire es el estudio de los contaminantes atmosféricos que respiramos cada día. Para aumentar la salud pública, debemos poner un enfoque en la monitorización de la calidad del aire de nuestros espacios públicos, especialmente en las escuelas y en las universidades. Durante mi pasantía en la Universidad de Zaragoza, trabajé en diferentes estudios sobre calidad de aire y la energía eficiente. Trabajé con el equipo de Sensorizar en el Campus Río Ebro para monitorizar los niveles de dióxido de carbono en las aulas. La universidad tiene sensores de calidad de aire en tres edificios que miden temperatura, humedad, y dióxido de carbono. Parte de mi trabajo se enfocó en encontrar maneras para aumentar la ventilación dentro de las aulas que tenían niveles altos de dióxido de carbono. Este estudio se enfoca en presentar las maneras en que podemos ayudar a nuestras universidades a mantener una buena calidad de aire para sus estudiantes. Voy a enfocar en sistemas de climatización, ventilación mecánica y natural, y formas de purificación de aire.

Elevator Pitch Video

Elevator Pitch Transcript:

Hello! My name is Michael Marchica, I study Mechanical Engineering and Modern Language with an emphasis in Spanish here at Northern Arizona University. I completed my study abroad at the University of Zaragoza in Spain, with my research focusing on the Rio Ebro Campus. My presentation is the Importance of Monitorization of Ari Quality in Universities.

I worked with another student, Miguel Garcia on various projects analyzing the efficiency of HVAC systems and the quality of air inside the classrooms. I also worked with the Sensorizar team to check their air quality sensors and study the carbon dioxide trends in the classrooms. During my time in Zaragoza, my professor Belen Zalba took us to see various institutions to compare their HVAC systems with ours. I went to hospitals, government buildings and other places to see how they treated their air. With COVID-19 spiking around the city, it was clear that air quality and ventilation needed to be studied in order to keep the students healthy.

I wanted to say thank you to my professor Belen Zalba, Miguel Garcia, and the Sensorizar team for giving me the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people. They exposed me to the importance of air quality, and I hope to one day continue in the field. This was my first internship and it truly opened my eyes to the professional world of engineering. I feel as if I grew a lot as an engineering and as a person, and hope to continue to grow once I graduate.

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