MISSION: WATER 62 HEADLINE XYLEM SPOTLIGHT Taking the time to meet with students is one way Xylem employees invest in our future. Photos: Patrick Beatty, YSI STEM students visit YSI in Yellow Springs, Ohio University of Dayton RIVER MOBILE During their visit to YSI, STEM students were also able to enjoy the River Mobile. This 53-foot tractor trailer is a unique mobile classroom that travels to neighboring schools and events to teach kids about the environment and water resources. But, this trailer is not your ordinary tractor trailer. When you step inside, you become immersed in all things rivers. Every square inch is covered with colorful graphics and imagery, along with information that takes students on a journey of river history, wildlife, safe recreation and more. The River Mobile is comprised of five unique compartments that deliver and experiential education that enables the exploration of the Great Miami River Watershed, the history of the region, the Buried Valley Aquifer and our global responsibility - all in one place. In April of 2017, Xylem Watermark volunteers partnered with University of Dayton students to educate local STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students on water quality and sustainability issues. Education is a critical, and arguably the most impactful component of our Watermark community engagement program. Chris Palassis (left) and Melanie Poon (right) demonstrate the nature of light and Xylem's optical sensor technology. Ron Metzger (left) offers understandably dubious students the chance to smell biofouling, freshly scraped from our instrumentation. The students were invited to take a tour of the YSI facility in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Inside, they visited multiple interactive learning stations covering topics ranging from the fundamentals of sensor technology to career paths in the environmental sector. The YSI team was grateful to spend the day with over 100 budding environmentalists.