From the Classroom to the Stream – Axalta Helps Students Get Hands-on Experience at Stroud Water Research Center
GLEN MILLS, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fresh water is one of Earth’s most precious resources, but also one of
its most scarce. Water covers two-thirds of our planet, but fresh water
accounts for only one percent of that total, making it a critical
resource to conserve for future generations. Axalta Coating Systems
(NYSE:AXTA), a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings,
recently partnered with Stroud Water Research Center to host the Serviam
Girls Academy, a tuition-free, independent middle school serving girls
in grades five through eight, for a day of learning focused on
freshwater conservation at Stroud’s headquarters in Avondale,
Pennsylvania.
During the program, the girls donned wading boots and got hands-on with
stream life, collecting water samples and bugs to test the stream’s
health. Stroud scientists led the girls in experiments and taught them
the indicators of a healthy stream.
“We were excited to host the young ladies, guide them through activities
to assess the health of the stream, and inspire them to consider STEM
disciplines as a career,” said Dr. Steve Kerlin, Stroud Director of
Education. “During their visit they participated in many new experiences
including water chemistry testing, collecting and identifying
macroinvertebrates from the stream for a bio assessment, stream habitat
assessment, and a tour of our LEED Platinum building and some of the
laboratories.”
Axalta is committed to helping the next generation pursue careers in the
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. While
more women are entering STEM fields than ever before, Axalta continues
to engage in the enlightenment of future generations and their exposure
to STEM education.
“Our partnership with Axalta has brought many wonderful gifts to Serviam
Girls Academy,” said Peggy Hines, Serviam Girls Academy President. “The
field trip to Stroud Water Research Center provided a wonderful
opportunity to immerse our students into nature to learn about the world
that supports them, and the importance of taking care of it. The girls
had a blast as they gathered insects and tested the health of White Clay
Creek.”
Serviam Academy eighth grader and participant, Paige Ponzo commented, “I
liked learning about the tests that are conducted on water to measure
the health of the stream, and I liked doing the tests ourselves.”
About Stroud Water Research Center
Since 1967, Stroud™ Water Research Center has been focused on one thing
— fresh water. We are dedicated to understanding the ecology of streams,
rivers, and their watersheds — both pristine and polluted. To learn more
visit stroudcenter.org
About Axalta Coating Systems – Celebrating 150 Years in the Coatings
Industry
Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and
providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable
solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish
applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings
are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the
materials we coat to last longer. With 150 years of experience in the
coatings industry, the approximately 12,800 people of Axalta continue to
find ways to serve our 100,000+ customers in more than 130 countries
better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and
technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com
and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
Contacts
Axalta Coating Systems
Lisa M. Miree-Luke, +1 610 358 2228
lisa.miree-luke@axaltacs.com
axaltacoatingsystems.com
