Not just kids stuff
CRANBERRY TWP — Anna Rutkowski may be going to college soon for environmental science, but now she can add “published author” to her resume.
The Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School senior recently wrote a children's book, titled “Nanoparticle Superheroes Defeat Evil Microbes!”
The book tells the story of Pittsburgh scientist Dr. Teri Dankovich and her invention of a nanoparticle-infused paper that makes polluted water drinkable.
Rutkowski partnered with Dankovich to craft the story, then created the illustrations.
“I was inspired by her and her ability to create such an amazing invention that will save millions of lives in developing countries,” Rutkowski said. “It inspired me to try and reach out to as many people as I can with my writing and illustrate the importance of clean drinking water.”
The 36-page book is geared toward students from second grade to sixth grade.
Dankovich, who is also a co-founder of Folia Water, has developed and tested the technology for the past several years for a book containing filtering paper that kills bacteria in the water as it passes through. Her efforts are aimed toward less-developed countries that struggle with clean drinking water.
“It's very important for American kids to understand that they're basically really lucky that their basic needs are met without having to think twice about it,” she said.
Dankovich has her bachelor of science degree in textiles and fiber science from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., master of science in agricultural and environmental chemistry from University of California at Davis and a Ph.D. in chemistry from McGill University, Quebec, Canada. She completed postdoctoral research at the Center for Global Health at University of Virginia and civil and environmental engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.
Any profits from the book go to Folia Water to assist in its mission to bring clean water to every person in the world.
“Every day, we just turn on the tap and we get water,” Rutkowski said. “We can't forget that there are people in developing countries who have to carry heavy jugs down rivers and get water that isn't necessarily clean.”“I'm really excited Anna wrote a book about our project and I'm excited to see how it's received,” Dankovich said.Rutkowski plans to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh this fall and continue her studies upon graduation. She said writing has always been a hobby for her.“Growing up, I wrote my own stories, but never did anything with them,” she said.She also said she wants to go into conservation and one day travel to other countries with endangered species and environments.Rutkowski described the process of working with Dankovich on the book as “an amazing experience.”“She was such an amazing person,” Rutkowski said. “She has given so much research to us and told us how this is done.”Dankovich said Rutkowski approached her last fall about the book.“I helped her out with the details on the project,” she said. “I thought it was a good book and kept things simple so kids can understand.”
