The DEEP has received a $100,000 grant from US Environmental Protection Agency to launch a pilot project for the Mill River, which starts in Cheshire, flows through Hamden and New Haven, and discharges into New Haven Harbor on Long Island Sound. It runs adjacent to Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus.

“I am thrilled to serve in this role as chair of the Steering Committee to support community involvement with restoration of water quality in the Mill River,” DiGiovanni said.

DiGiovanni joined Quinnipiac University six years ago. She earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in environment engineering from Drexel University.

“Professor DiGiovanni deeply cares about our community waterways and brings a significant depth of knowledge and experience on waterway restoration to this important initiative,” said Justin Kile, dean of the School of Engineering. “Her leadership and collaborative working style make her a great choice to chair the initiative. Our school is honored to have her as a colleague.”

The Steering Committee is a subset of the Mill River Watershed Association. The committee will work with the DEEP to enhance quality of life for disadvantaged communities through resilient, sustainable water quality initiatives in the Mill River watershed.

“The goal of the Mill River Urban Watershed Initiative is to promote water quality restoration and provide access to waters in our urban community that are safe and clean,” according to the DEEP. “Specifically, it is our goal to assist and advise community organizations who are interested in working with us to enhance water quality and promote community appreciation for the river and its environs. Enhancing collaborative partnerships is a pathway toward success.”