OM SANAN

Om Sanan is a steadfast clean water advocate and environmental sustainability supporter, working on merging his interdisciplinary skills in computer programming/artificial intelligence/machine learning and water treatment to create a positive change in communities around the world.

Om’s interest in clean water was sparked during his 5th-grade Capstone project, where he studied and analyzed the water crisis and water filtration methods in developing countries. This experience ignited his commitment to addressing water scarcity and promoting clean water initiatives. Currently, Om is the founder and CEO of Day Zero Water, a student-led non-profit organization that focuses on water scarcity, clean water awareness, and implementing water filtration systems in New York schools and developing areas. The organization has successfully fundraised for and executed numerous projects in New York, Africa, and India, including collaborating with local schools to test and improve water quality; testing over 2,000 water samples and providing clean water access to 6,200+ people. Om is also a UNWOD 2023 Youth Delegate.

Academically, Om is an adept student with over seven years of experience in computer programming (Python, Java, AI/ML). Since Fall 2022, he has been interning with The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (owned by the U.S. Department of Energy) writing research on decarbonization of the water desalination process, water security and reuse, and energy independence. His research with NREL has led to additional research work with other U.S. government agencies on water and electric grid coordination. Om has also interned with NASA SEES Space Research working with the GRACE - Weighing Where the Water Goes team to track and analyze the impact of climate change on Earth’s vast tracts of freshwater, saltwater and ice. He is also working on research on community water desalination with MIT and publishing research on digital twins and large language models with Colorado State University. Previously, Om has interned at Millwood Water Treatment Plant, one of the most advanced water treatment plants in the country. Om actively participates in his high school’s Green Club, Robotics Club, and BYTE Club.

On a personal level, Om tutors underprivileged kids in math and computer programming and organizes charitable events. He is a member of several respected water and environmental organizations and enjoys boating, water sports, and traveling. In 2022, his basketball club team claimed the 15U Nationals in Boston.

With aspirations to major in environmental engineering at top engineering schools, Om aims to continue his work in addressing global water challenges through innovative and cost-effective solutions, positively impacting the lives of the world’s most vulnerable communities.