American Water (NYSE:AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, joined Princeton E-ffiliates Partnership (E-ffiliates), expanding the program’s reach into the water sector and building upon the Andlinger Center’s research capabilities at the nexus of energy and water.
The Camden-based company serves more than 14 million people in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water joins six other company members, primarily in the energy sector, including ExxonMobil and PSEG.
E-ffiliates is a membership-based program administered by Princeton’s Andlinger Center that engages corporations to find innovative solutions in energy and the environment. The partnership with American Water reflects the Andlinger Center’s strategic plan to strengthen expertise and research focused on energy and water resources.
The announcement follows the addition of Jason Ren to the center’s faculty, who specializes in resource recovery during wastewater treatment with his Water and Energy Technologies (WET) lab.
The move is part of an effort by American Water to tap into the region’s strong academic landscape to accelerate technological advancement at the company.
“American Water’s Technology & Innovation group is thrilled for our company to join Princeton E-ffiliates Partnership. Together, we will seek opportunities to partner in the identification and implementation of technology innovations that help ensure clean and affordable water for all,” said Mark S. Smith, chief digital technology enablement officer.
Beyond the Andlinger Center, the company plans to work with faculty and students more broadly in the School of Engineering and Applied Science and at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Through the partnership, American Water also aims to recruit Princeton University students to work at the company.
“American Water is also excited for the opportunity to leverage Princeton University’s impressive pool of talent and welcome candidates to our new headquarters building in Camden, N.J.,” said Smith.
“This partnership lends an industry perspective to water resources research, and fortifies the Andlinger Center’s commitment to moving toward a circular economy,” said Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo, director of the Andlinger Center.
Through Princeton E-ffiliates Partnership, company members have sponsored 34 research collaborations across campus, and contributed over $8.4 million in research funds to date.
