Irene Runnels

Runnels' "Wonderful H2O: Friend or Foe?" project is a collaborative effort with Oklahoma State and Cameron University professors to test local water content. The project arose from an increase in the number of area students diagnosed with cancer. Students test for natural pollutants, heavy metals, human pollutants, alkalinity, conductivity, salinity, and specific gravity. One of the primary tests is for the gasoline additive MTBE, which is believed to be linked to the deaths of one student and one bus driver, and at least four cases of leukemia. Through the project, students gain hands-on experience in science while making a very real and very important contribution to the health and well-being of the community.