Students Seek to Advance Public Health in India

June 2025

Searching for a private and sanitary place to relieve yourself is likely not something you spend a lot of time thinking about. For many people, however, this is a daily concern. And for women in underdeveloped countries, it can even be unsafe. 

A team of BYU design and nursing students decided to see what they could do to help women in Haridwar, India. While on campus, the students studied the situation, presented their findings, and secured funding to travel to India. 

“In India so many of the concepts I had considered went out the window—they no longer applied because of how different things were there,” says recent graduate in design Dani Cruze. 

“I now know better how to adapt my skills and knowledge to different situations and people.” 
The student team designed three products to help the women of Haridwar: a water spray bottle, a pop-up privacy shield, and a loose-fitting gown. 

Abby Ross, another recent design graduate who was on the trip, says, “The donors who contributed to this experience radically changed the trajectory of my life.” She continues, “At BYU, I learned that I have been given specific talents and abilities from my Heavenly Father that I can use to help those around me. Studying industrial design helped me develop my talents so that I can be more effective in doing so.”

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