By Prof. Luiza C. Campos, Chair of the IWA SG on Sanitation and Water Management in LMICs
Water and sanitation are fundamental human rights and essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. They are pillars of life, community, and sustainability. My journey into the water and sanitation sector has been driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of these resources to transform lives and improve public health and wellbeing. Here is a glimpse into my path, the challenges I have faced, and the purpose that continues to guide my work today.
My Initial Journey
My academic background is in civil engineering, a discipline that fascinated me with its potential to shape and support communities. I pursued my education with a keen interest in environmental engineering, focusing on water and sanitation. Early in my career, I was inspired by projects that demonstrated how innovative water and sanitation solutions could dramatically improve public health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. Witnessing the tangible impact of access to clean water and sanitation motivated me to delve deeper into the field.
I worked for ten years with a water and wastewater company in Brazil (i.e. SANEAGO) before transitioning into academia, where I spent another ten years with the Department of Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil.
I hold a PhD from Imperial College London, UK and an MSc from the University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Challenges I faced as a Woman
As a woman in engineering and the water and sanitation sector, I encountered moments of scepticism and bias. In meetings and project sites, there were times when my contributions were questioned or overlooked. However, I chose to see these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate my expertise and commitment. Additionally, I faced the challenge of balancing my professional life with parenting two children, who are now entering adulthood. This experience has shown me that a fulfilling academic career and family life can go hand in hand. I sought mentorship, built a supportive professional network, and consistently let the results of my work speak for themselves. Over time, these efforts helped me earn respect and recognition in a traditionally male-dominated field.
My Current Role
Currently, I am a Professor of Environmental Engineering at University College London (UCL), where I have been responsible for teaching, research, and academic management since 2007. My research focuses on water treatment processes that address pressing environmental concerns such as pharmaceutical and microplastic pollution. I work on developing and evaluating cost-effective technologies that enhance water quality and protect ecosystems. I am particularly proud of my work with slow sand filtration and vertical hydroponic systems, which showcase the potential of nature-based solutions in water treatment. Through collaborative projects across various countries, I strive to contribute to global efforts to provide clean water for all.
As a result of my successful career as a woman in engineering, in 2023, I was honoured with the Gold Medal by the Institution of Civil Engineers for my outstanding contributions to engineering excellence. In 2024, I was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering by the Women’s Engineering Society.
A Vision For The Future
The water and sanitation sector is at a critical juncture, facing challenges like climate change, population growth, and pollution. I am committed to continuing research and discussions that not only address these issues but also empower communities to be part of the solution. By building cross-disciplinary collaborations and supporting the next generation of water and sanitation professionals, I hope to leave a legacy of resilience, innovation, and sustainable impact.
As we navigate the currents of change, I remain optimistic about the potential of science, technology, and community-driven action to secure a water- and sanitation-resilient future for all.
