Open Student Projects

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Reviewing the MK2 design and reproducing the failure mode in the lab to identify which subsystems (feeding, separation, illumination, vision) contribute most to the loss in accuracy. - Quantifying the influence of larva size, illumination, internal temperature, and feed rate on counting accuracy through a structured set of bench experiments. - Developing and prototyping a controllable feeding mechanism. - Redesigning the separation/divider geometry and the optical chamber to accommodate the size range of real 5-DOL larvae without distressing them. - Extending the vision pipeline and/or evaluating alternative sensing approaches (e.g. revised frame-differencing parameters, classical CV improvements, lightweight ML, or other low-cost sensors) so that counting remains robust to larva size and lighting variation. - Building a working MK3 prototype, primarily from 3D-printed parts and Raspberry Pi-based electronics, while keeping the unit cost in the same order of magnitude as MK2 (~200 CHF) and maintaining full open-source compatibility (CERN-OHL-S 2.0 hardware, MIT software). - Validating the device against manual counts on production-realistic larvae batches, characterizing accuracy, repeatability, and throughput, and documenting the design (CAD, BOM, firmware, assembly guide) for open-source release. - Contributing to a follow-up scientific publication on MK3.

Design, build, and validate a third-generation open-source Black Soldier Fly larval counting machine (BSF LCM MK3) that delivers reproducibly high counting accuracy on production-realistic 5-DOL larvae across a range of larva sizes and operating conditions.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in mechanical design and CAD, 3D printing and rapid prototyping, basic electronics and embedded programming (Python / Raspberry Pi), image processing or computer vision, and an interest in sustainable sanitation and resource recovery in low-resource settings. The thesis will be carried out at ETH Zurich (Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, MAVT) in close collaboration with Eawag. 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: - Data analysis. Analyse existing continuous monitoring data (pressure, flow, temperature) from six school systems to characterize current performance, identify patterns of underperformance, and quantify baseline gas production per school. - Site assessment. Visit schools in Kiambu County to inspect the physical infrastructure: pipe diameters, flush volumes, buffer tank dimensions, reactor condition, and feeding practices. Document the differences between the systems. Measure simple parameters such as the flush water volume, pH, E.coli concentration. - Diagnosis and intervention design. Based on the data analysis and site assessment, identify the most likely causes of low yield at each underperforming site. Design specific, low-cost modifications (e.g., adjusting flush water volumes, modifying buffer tank flow paths, changing feeding schedules, adding co-substrates). - Implementation and monitoring. Work with the local partner (MAT) to implement the modifications at selected schools. Continue monitoring with the smart meters to measure the effect on gas production over several weeks. - Reporting. Document the findings as a set of practical guidelines for optimizing school biogas systems, including what worked, what did not, and why.

The goal of this thesis is to identify and implement modifications to the existing school biogas infrastructure that increase biogas yield. This includes changes to piping, flushing water regulation, buffer tank sizing, feeding schedules, and reactor loading rates. The work is hands-on: the student will analyse existing monitoring data, diagnose underperformance at specific sites, design practical modifications, and measure the results.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering/environmental engineering student with skills in process engineering and data analysis, willing to travel to Kenya for 3 months. 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 carrying out experiments to test the accuracy and precision of the WPS - Designing a method to identify new/different parameters from the captured images

The goal of this research is to build and test the WPS in real-world and laboratory settings.

This research looks for multiple master/bachelor-level mechanical engineering students with skills in machine learning, prototyping, air quality measurements, software Interested and qualified students are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

The student will work within an interdisciplinary research and implementation team to explore how an existing community-based AHP collection system can be expanded to the adjacent Siyathuthuka settlement. The thesis will combine engineering design, modelling, prototyping (where relevant), and field-based system evaluation within a real-world implementation environment.

Key research objectives include: - Exploring how an existing collection system can be efficiently scaled while incorporating existing infrastructures. - Designing systems that integrate diverse collection points and housing typologies. - Investigating alternative collection models for feminine hygiene products in contexts lacking formal sanitation infrastructure. - Developing technologies and/or mechanical solutions for the sanitary and efficient transport of AHP waste between collection nodes. - Modelling logistics and system flows to optimise scale, efficiency, and workforce requirements. - Analysing how system expansion can contribute to sustainable and meaningful livelihoods for collection teams.

We are seeking an MSc student in MAVT with: - Strong interest in applied engineering for low-resource contexts - Experience or interest in: - Mechanical design - Transport systems - Logistics modelling - Prototyping - Systems engineering - Ability to work independently in dynamic field environments - Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and socially embedded engineering The project is supported by funding by Kimberly Clark and would involve three months of active data collection on-site in Durban. Prior experience in Global South contexts or development engineering is advantageous but not required. Interested and qualified students are invited to apply. For more information, please contact Dr. Marc Kalina (mkalina@uwc.ac.za).

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).