My name is Samantha DiLoreto, and I am a third-year Environmental Engineering Ph.D. student at Georgia Institute of Technology in the research group of Dr. Ching-Hua Huang. My research focuses on improving the detection of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water—work that directly supports public health and the long-term safety and reliability of our water systems.
Receiving the Georgia Power Fellowship was deeply meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. Being awarded this support before I officially began my Ph.D. made me feel welcomed and valued by the Georgia Tech community. It gave me an early sense of belonging and confidence, and it motivated me to approach my work with a strong sense of responsibility to live up to the trust placed in my potential.
Throughout my graduate studies, the fellowship has played an essential role in sustaining both my research and my well-being. It enabled me to purchase critical chemical standards and materials needed to keep my experiments on schedule and ensure the quality and reliability of my data. This support became especially vital when my federal funding was unexpectedly terminated in early Spring 2025. Because of the fellowship, I was able to continue my research without interruption while my advisor and I worked to secure new funding. It also helped cover basic living expenses during a period of uncertainty, significantly reducing financial stress and allowing me to remain fully focused on my coursework, experiments, and writing.
The impact of this fellowship became especially clear when my funding ended just as I was preparing to present a research poster at a conference. Although I felt anxious about how the setback might affect my progress, the stability provided by the fellowship allowed me to focus fully on my work. I was honored to receive a Best Poster Award—an achievement I believe would not have been possible without this support.
— Samantha DiLoreto
The fellowship has also expanded my professional opportunities. It has allowed me to attend conferences where I presented my work, received valuable feedback, and connected with researchers and professionals across the drinking water and environmental engineering community. These experiences have strengthened my research, broadened my perspective on the field, and helped clarify the many paths available to me after graduation.
Equally important to my experience has been the community I have found in Civil and Environmental Engineering. My advisors, lab mates, and friends have created a supportive and motivating environment that has carried me through demanding moments and reminded me that I am not navigating graduate school alone. Their encouragement has also helped me maintain balance by exploring and enjoying life in Atlanta beyond the lab.
The impact of this fellowship became especially clear when my funding ended just as I was preparing to present a research poster at a conference. Although I felt anxious about how the setback might affect my progress, the stability provided by the fellowship allowed me to focus fully on my work. I was honored to receive a Best Poster Award—an achievement I believe would not have been possible without this support.
Thank you to the donor! Your generosity has made a lasting difference—not only in my education, but in research that ultimately supports safer drinking water for communities. Just as importantly, your support has reaffirmed my commitment to this field and strengthened my confidence in pursuing meaningful environmental solutions.
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