Clarkson School Student Team Places Third at North Country Launch Day
Clarkson School student Dylan Caratsole and his team earned third place at the North Country Launch Day competition on Nov. 7 at SUNY Canton, competing against 20 teams from across the region.
Caratsole participated as a member of Solutions 4 Pollution, a team that presented “RiverLoop – Pollution to Power.” The project focused on addressing long-standing water pollution by using duckweed to extract harmful metals from rivers.
Duckweed is highly effective at absorbing pollutants such as mercury, lead and other heavy metals. The team’s solution proposed using the plant to remove these contaminants from waterways, offering an environmentally sustainable approach to mitigating generational pollution while creating opportunities for resource recovery.
The team’s innovative use of natural systems and focus on environmental impact impressed judges, earning them a top-three finish in a competitive field.
North Country Launch Day brings together student entrepreneurs to pitch ideas, develop business skills and connect with mentors and judges from industry and education. Caratsole’s success highlights the strong preparation Clarkson School students receive in innovation, teamwork and problem-solving.
Clarkson University continues to encourage student-led solutions that address real-world challenges and promote sustainable innovation.
