Ryu Suzuki completed his B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before starting his undergrad, he has lived in Chicago, Japan, New Jersey, and New York. He has also studied abroad in Australia and traveled to Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. Growing up in the midst of Japanese and American culture and extensive traveling experiences have fueled his desire to visit as many parts of the world as possible and become immersed in the unique culture that each destination has to offer.

Ryu became interested in working on sustainable projects in developing countries through his involvement with Engineers Without Borders. As an EWB member, he worked on a gravity-fed water distribution system and the introduction of appropriate technologies such as fuel briquettes and solar cookers in Rwanda, and the construction of a septic tank system for a school in Bolivia. For his Master’s Degree, Ryu will focus on low-tech, decentralized drinking water and wastewater treatment methods, and appropriate technologies. He is also interested in the interconnectedness of the environment and peace, which has lead to research on mitigating the viscous cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. In his spare time, Ryu enjoys playing sports (especially soccer and skiing), and going to concerts.