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How Jennifer Pagán Revolutionized Water Filtration Technology for Clean Drinking Water

Update A Personal Journey into the World of Water Filtration Meet Jennifer Pagán, a trailblazer in water filtration technology, who transformed her childhood curiosities into groundbreaking work. Growing up in rural Charlotte, her inquisitive nature led her to explore the scientific world, which laid the foundation for her future career as an electrical engineer. With a doctorate from UNC Charlotte, her pioneering spirit prompted her to question the status quo: Could ultraviolet light filter water? Innovating Solutions for Clean Water Pagán’s journey took her into a realm where traditional mercury lamps—a known risk due to their toxic properties—dominated water filtration. Recognizing their inefficiencies, she and her team at AquiSense developed a novel "flow cell" technology. This innovation harnesses UV light to neutralize pathogens in water, a solution aimed at improving access to clean drinking water for over two billion people globally. Impacting Lives Beyond Borders From the labs to outer space, Pagán's technology is making waves. Today, AquiSense systems are deployed on every continent, supplying clean water not only to communities but also to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Her work exemplifies how local talents can effect global change, demonstrating that the right technology can protect public health while promoting environmental stewardship. A Reflection of Community Roots As a Charlotte native, Pagán's commitment to her community has remained steadfast. She credits her upbringing, surrounded by family, as a pillar of support throughout her academic and professional journey. "Being entrenched in Charlotte's culture helps me drive innovations that resonate locally and globally," she shares. Lessons Learned Through Challenges Launching a startup was no easy feat for Pagán. Along the way, she encountered obstacles typical for entrepreneurs, including uncertain funding and market acceptance. Yet her belief in the potential of her technology spurred her on, even when it meant questioning every step. "You have to take leaps of faith," she says, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity. Fostering Future Innovations Looking towards the future, Pagán sees immense potential for UV filtration technology. "The market for ultraviolet continues to grow—it's a golden age for this technology," she explains. Expanding beyond water disinfection, AquiSense is now exploring how to tackle the challenge of ‘forever chemicals’ and further applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Bridging Science and Community Engagement While Pagán thrives in the engineering space, she never forgets her community roots. She remains active in local arts and education, whether it’s through participating in church activities or supporting her sons at their sporting events. "We're always talking ideas in our family. It’s not just about technology but also making the world a better place for the next generation," she concludes. Join the Movement to Ensure Safe Water Access Jennifer Pagán’s story is an inspiring reminder that innovation can stem from a curious mind and a steadfast dedication to solving real-world problems. For those interested in ensuring clean water access and supporting technological advancements in their communities, consider exploring resources like AquiSense or participating in local initiatives to make a meaningful difference.