Daniel Ma is currently a graduate student at The Ohio State University where his research primarily focuses on bench-scale optimization of emerging and novel UV disinfection devices, such as UV LEDs, for water disinfection. His current projects include prototyping and testing hydropowered UV disinfection systems, performing molecular assays to evaluate mechanisms of bacteria following sequential UV wavelength applications, and evaluating the synergistic impact of water quality on disinfection by UV-A wavelengths. He also studies tap water quality, human perceptions of tap water quality, and system dynamics in rural water systems.
Ultimately, Daniel’s goals are to get licensed as a professional engineer, continue working on cutting edge water treatment research, support underserved communities through engineering, and be ready to follow Jesus wherever he is called to serve. With global missions in mind, he sees environmental engineering and water treatment as potential ways to gain access to unreached people groups. Daniel shared, “I want to follow Apostle Paul’s Biblical model discipleship and missions by working hard in my vocation to support the work of the Church and advancing God’s kingdom by living for Christ (2 Cor. 5:14-15)”.
While at Messiah, Daniel was drawn to pursue environmental engineering in order to follow God’s call to steward His creation. He chose to specialize in water treatment because water is a universal and precious resource needed by everyone to live. Daniel citied his time at the Collaboratory as teaching him important lessons about servant leadership that he still carries with him today. As part of the Village Water Ozonation Systems (VWOS) Collaboratory team, Daniel worked to design and implement community scale water treatment systems for rural and remote communities. His experience with time assisting and designing water testing experiments gave him a unique background in water engineering and water testing that stood out to his current research advisor, helping them to connect on common research interests.
When asked to describe the most enjoyable aspects of his job, Daniel said, “I enjoy research for the opportunities to explore new ideas and be at the forefront of new discoveries to help improve the environment. Research is really challenging, but part of being an engineer is learning to develop and apply problem solving skills to overcome obstacles and make the most of what you’ve been given. While I find the creative and problem-solving aspects of work enjoyable, my favorite part of working life is getting to share in fellowship with other Christians at my workplace and, when I can, getting to share the love of Christ with people God has placed in my life so that He would be glorified.”
Daniel continues to stay connected with Messiah through supporting Collaboratory students working on drinking water projects, helping with project reviews, and attending symposium presentations. He also enjoyed the opportunity to advise Professor Lockwood and her students as they designed a research study on the long-term safety of UV and ozone disinfected water.