Stephen E. Silliman, associate professor of civil engineering
and geological sciences, and the Groundwater Group at Notre Dame have identified several areas of service within Third-World countries where they believe they can make a difference. In addition to Haiti, the group is in the early stages of developing two projects within the Republic of Benin in western Africa.

In a joint effort with the Universite Nationale du Benin (UNB) and Lifewater International, Notre Dame has received support from the National Science Foundation to improve the siting of wells in northern Benin. Due to fractured crystalline rock below the surface, it is difficult to obtain a reliable water supply. The Groundwater Group will combine remote sensing, geology, geochemistry, and local knowledge to form a database that will increase the probability of drilling a successful well.

A second component of the work in Benin deals with academic links between Notre Dame
and UNB. Since both institutions maintain programs in civil engineering, earth sciences, and
environmental science, long-term goals include the development of joint research programs
and the exchange of graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty. For more information on this project see http://www.nd.edu/~silliman/Development/benin/