The Charlotte Advantage for Innovative Partnerships
In early 2024, Muriel Steele, Wastewater Process Engineer at Charlotte Water, learned that Niner Engineer Jordan Landis ‘24 had applied for a utility patent for an innovative water treatment process to tackle microplastics. She recognized its potential, reached out to Landis and within weeks, the two began discussing real-world applications of the design.
“The city of Charlotte is fortunate to have a great research university at its disposal. It’s important to have a research university to enable us to try new methods and analytical techniques.”
– Muriel Steele
Charlotte Water prioritizes their customers and communities health, so they meet strict state and federal standards. But the utility goes a step further. Steele explains, “Microplastics aren’t regulated currently, so we are focused on exploring this issue to be at the forefront of water treatment.”
By being proactive, Charlotte Water and UNC Charlotte together lead the way toward a critical tool to support public health for generations. “This process could be applied commercially not just in Charlotte but nationwide with implications for wastewater treatment plants and other large industries that work with plastics,” said Steele.
Charlotte – defined by both the city and the university – is uniquely positioned to support the growing number of Niner researchers like Landis. The city has been ranked as a great place to live, and its primary university is quickly headed toward the highest research classification, Carnegie R1.
“The success of the university and the city is intertwined. Our [shared] research informs our city and prepares our workforce while paying dividends all over the world.”
– Victoria Watlington ‘13, ‘23 PhD Systems Engineering; Equipment Innovation Director, Coca-Cola; CLT City Council, At-large representative