Nadia Abu-Kasim

Jordanian engineer who developed affordable water purification systems for refugee camps

Nadia Abu-Kasim (b.1982) created life-saving technology during the Syrian refugee crisis. As a chemical engineering professor at Al al-Bayt University, she developed a solar-powered water filtration system costing just $200 per unit. These systems provided clean water to over 500,000 refugees in Jordan's Zaatari camp. Her patent-pending design uses locally available materials and requires no electricity. The UNHCR adopted her model in 14 countries, reducing waterborne disease rates by 70% in target areas. Nadia's work was recognized with the Elder's Vision Award in 2016. She currently leads the Water for Humanity Initiative, training engineers from conflict zones to replicate her systems.