Open Student Projects

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Interviewing the pit emptiers in Mzuzu to understand their needs and potential concerns towards the future association. - Engaging with all pit emptiers through group discussions, facilitating leader selection and responsibility allocation. Popularizing the idea of forming the association, developing a budget for operation and presenting the results to both the pit emptiers and the city council. - Bridging the gap between the association and the city council for the association to be recognized.

The goal of this thesis is to understand the needs of the pit emptiers and help them establish an association, which would benefit them by making a vehicle available to all of them. It would also benefit the community by making sure the sludge is disposed of safely in the official wastewater treatment site.

This research looks for a master-level social science student who is willing to spend 3-4 months in Malawi working on an impactful project. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Designing and developing PCBs from scratch for simple bicycle lights. - Designing and improving the moulds for injection moulding with recycled plastic. - Establishing the manufacturing process for bicycle lights in Blantyre, Malawi.

The goal of this work is to design a simple PCB for front and rear bicycle lights using rechargeable batteries and to design and test the injection mould for manufacturing the casing of bicycle lights from recycled plastic (HDPE or PP).

This research includes a 3-month-long-stay in Blantyre, Malawi and looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in mechanical design, problem-solving, electroncis, and prototyping. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Reviewing and familiarizing themselves with the existing device inventory database, data collection protocols, and categorization framework developed in the previous thesis; - Identifying and coordinating with local health authorities to gain access to approximately 20 health clinics in Central Malawi (primarily around Lilongwe) and Northern Malawi (around Mzuzu); - Conducting on-site data collection at each facility, documenting all electrical devices including medical equipment (diagnostic devices, sterilization equipment, cold-chain refrigerators, etc.) and non-medical appliances (lighting, ventilation, computers, water pumps); - Recording nameplate energy characteristics (voltage, current, power ratings) and measuring actual power consumption using portable energy meters where feasible; - Assessing device functionality status (functioning, non-functioning, obsolete) and documenting ownership information; - Integrating collected data with the existing database, ensuring consistency and quality; - Contributing to statistical analysis comparing device inventories across regions and facility types; - Supporting preparation of data and visualizations for a planned scientific publication.

This thesis aims to extend the existing medical device inventory database by collecting detailed electrical device data from approximately 20 additional health clinics in Central and Northern Malawi. The student will apply and refine established data collection protocols to build a comprehensive, publication-ready dataset that enables accurate energy load estimation for healthcare facility electrification across the country.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, or energy science student with skills in data collection and field research, database management, quantitative data analysis, and interest in global health and development contexts. Familiarity with R or Python for data analysis is advantageous. The field work will involve travel to rural healthcare facilities. The student should be comfortable working in resource-constrained settings and adaptable to changing field conditions. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Reviewing the existing power systems database, questionnaire instruments, and analytical framework developed in the previous thesis; - Coordinating with local health authorities to identify and access approximately 20 health clinics in Central Malawi (primarily Lilongwe district) and Northern Malawi (Mzuzu area); - Conducting on-site assessments of power system infrastructure, including: - Documenting energy source mix (grid connection, solar PV, generators, batteries); - Recording nameplate characteristics of all system components; - Assessing functionality status and electrical protection measures; - Inspecting installation quality and maintenance condition; - Administering semi-structured interviews with facility administrators to document: - System origins and installation history; - Current O&M responsibilities and practices; - Donor/partner involvement and accountability structures; - Challenges faced and coping strategies during outages; - Load prioritization approaches when backup power is limited; - Integrating collected data with the existing database, ensuring methodological consistency; - Contributing to comparative analysis across regions, facility types, and donor involvement patterns; - Supporting preparation of findings for a planned scientific publication and policy brief.

This thesis aims to extend the existing power systems and O&M database by collecting detailed energy infrastructure data from approximately 20 additional health clinics in Central and Northern Malawi. The student will document power system configurations, assess functionality, and investigate accountability structures for system maintenance, contributing to a comprehensive dataset that can inform policy recommendations and support scientific publication.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, energy science, or environmental engineering student with skills in energy systems assessment, qualitative interview techniques, data analysis, and interest in development and global health contexts. Familiarity with solar PV systems and basic electrical measurements is advantageous. The field work will involve travel to rural healthcare facilities. The student should be comfortable conducting interviews, working in resource-constrained settings, and adapting to field conditions. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

The goal of this project is to test and improve the existing solar water heater used for effluent pasteurization. More comprehensive tests for E. coli and Total coliform reduction are necessary to understand the system performance and drive the next adaptations.

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Testing the solar pasteurizer for pathogen reduction - Adapting the system to improve its performance and match the effluent yield - Perform comprehensive measurements of process-flow parameters, i.e., temperature, solar irradiance, heat exchanger performance, as well as the material degradation.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in prototyping, building things from scratch with low-tech materials and adapting existing systems with whatever is available at hand. Some skills can be acquired during the project. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Developing an interface for the solar thermal concentrator to reach stable effluent temperature and retention time. - Testing of the system on parameters related to pathogen elimination, liquid throughput, and performance during variable weather. - Redesigning the system to be easily transported by plane or to be constructed using materials which locally available in Malawi.

The goal of this project is to test the efficiency of the solar thermal concentrator and propose an interface to integrate it in the biogas effluent stream to reach required temperatures and exposure time for pasteurization. The complete prototype should be implemented in the biogas system in Malawi. This integration can be performed within this project, if done as a master’s thesis.

This research looks for a master level mechanical engineering semester project/master’s thesis student with skills in prototyping, testing, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Writing backend solution for IoT devices sending carbon credit information. - Developing streamlined updating of https certiciates for IoT devices. - Implementing open-source front-end for data visualization.

This work should propose a solution based on cloud architecture, such as Amazon AWS, to provide a server and a database for data acquisition and storage from IoT devices. On top of the above, cyclically updated https certificates should be provided to devices for encrypted communication.

This research looks for a master-level software engineering student with skills in server setup, IoT, https certificates. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Coming up with CAD (or equivalent) schematics - Selecting 3D printing materials and printers that would be compatible and aligned with objectives - Prototyping for functionality - Testing of device - Reporting results

The overall objective of this project is to design, prototype, and test a 3D printable version of the 2GLAM membrane filtration device for context-appropriate microbial water quality testing.

This research looks for a master/bachelor-level mechanical engineering/environmental engineering student with skills in prototyping, CAD design, hands on experience with device testing. Training in basic microbial water quality testing is an asset, but not a requirement. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

During the project, the student will be responsible for: - Developing an algorithm for assessing the functionality of selected WASH facilities (e.g. water distribution point) based on pictures taken by users. - Creating a mobile app or interface that facilitates the collection of basic information and upload of pictures by users of the WASH facilities. - Providing a balanced assessment of advantages and limitations of the developed tools.

The goal of this project is to develop a tool combining computer vision and citizen science approaches to estimate access to safe WASH services, using pictures taken by users.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering/environmental engineering student with skills in programming, computer vision, app development. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - System Monitoring and Characterization - Emission Analysis - Characterization of gaseous emissions - Assessment of environmental and health implications of uncontrolled or incomplete pyrolysis processes - Identification of simple strategies for emission mitigation - Safety assessment - System optimization

The master project aims to monitor, analyze, and evaluate small-scale pyrolysis systems operating in KNUST. The project combines field work, experimental monitoring, and system analysis to identify process optimization potentials for safe, clean, and economically viable pyrolysis operation in informal or small-scale contexts.

This research looks for a Masters-level mechanical engineering/environmental engineering student with skills (Arduino) programming, sensor installation, and ideally pyrolysis. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Mareike Thiedeitz (thiedeitz@ibi.baug.ethz.ch).

The project follows a participatory approach with hospital staff and local engineers, encompassing joint planning, construction, implementation, and capacity building. This involves both the proper operation of the incinerator and the practical application of the developed waste management system. In the project, the student will be responsible for: - Mapping and analysis of existing waste flows and types of waste throughout the facility. - Implementation of a waste segregation system, including designated shelters, bins and containers for each type of medical waste (e.g., single plastic, sharps, biological, pharmaceutical, etc.). - Staff training programs to build awareness and competence in waste handling and segregation. - Development of waste management guidelines, for segregating, storing, and transporting medical waste within the hospital also for trainings for new staff members. - Creation of incinerator usage handbook for safe, efficient operation and maintenance of the new incinerator, including the final ash handling and storage. - Develop technical customized design for chambers, air circulation systems and optimal capacity, size of ash pit etc. according to data collected in Work Package 1. Develop technical drawings and material lists, with material properties based on availability in Uganda. - Construction of new incinerator and sealed concrete ash pit on site. - Commissioning of new incinerator, test runs, temperature monitoring.

The student will be responsible for developing a waste management and segregation system in compliance with local regulations and in collaboration with local engineers and hospital staff. As part of this system, an incinerator tailored to the specific needs of Kiwoko Hospital will be designed using locally available materials. The project begins with a needs assessment and an analysis of the current waste flow to establish a hospital wide segregation system that can be implemented in practice. The planned incinerator will be constructed on site, and training sessions will be conducted to ensure proper use and integration of the system.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering/environmental engineering student with technical and engineering skills, construction and practical skills, project management skills and a willingness to work in a complex environment. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

The proposed test site, the Warwick transport hub and shopping market in eThekwini Municipality (Durban), has the highest throughput of people in the City every day. The existing sanitation infrastructure in the area is in very poor condition and all municipal toilet blocks have been closed for several years. Urination in public areas by men is widespread with the result that the environment is unhygienic and unpleasant. Women who work in the area have in the most part resorted to using buckets while attempting to screen themselves from the public. This situation is not safe or hygienic for these women and the disposal of the urine in stormwater drains contributes significantly to pollution of the environment. In addition, the public spaces are used extensively for informal livelihoods and thus a degraded public environment is having a serious economic impact on these informal businesses. The NGO, Asiye eTafuleni which has been working in the Warwick area for several decades has responded to the crisis by building a number of informal male urinals for testing and operation by local entrepreneurs. The urine from these informal urinals is collected in twenty litre drums which when full are disposed of in local stormwater drains. Although the informal urinals have significantly improved the public spaces, the disposal of urine to stormwater drains contributes significantly to the pollution of the environment as these drains ultimately end up in the sea or other stormwater collection points.

In the course of the project, the student will: - Engage with all stakeholders on sanitation status quo and inputs - Design new male and female prototypes - Identify potential fabricators and finalise selection of prototypes and materials - Fabricate prototype – 1 male and 1 female - Deploy and evaluate prototype 1 to field - Modify and design prototype 2 for male and female - Fabricate prototype 2 male and female - Deploy and evaluate prototype 2 to field - Fabricate 5 male and 5 female urinals for rollout and integration with the operations of the proposed fertiliser plant

This research looks for a master’s project-level mechanical or process engineer with skills in design and fabrication, and who is interested in low-cost, contextually appropriate solutions. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Redesigning/improving the metal toilet mold for easier and more precise removal (previous versions were difficult to remove and prone to breaking). - Building the mold in Cape Maclear using local materials and working with local craftsmen. - Producing and installing the toilets along with associated infrastructure (plumbing). - Participating in the building of a toilet block in a flood-prone, sandy environment (a beach).

The goal of this project is to improve the design of the EOOS toilet mold, cast and produce concrete toilets, and construct a safe, hygienic toilet block for the fisherman’s village.

This research looks for a master-level civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering student with skills in manufacturing, construction, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity. Approximately 3 months will be spent in Malawi. Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).