Spring 2023 Menstrual Health Project Reflection
Hi, I am Ashritha Yellanki, a first-year biomedical engineer at Georgia tech. As a member of the menstrual health bioplastics sub team for Wish for Wash, I explored the bridge between sustainability, hygiene, and sanitation to menstrual products, which is a widely overlooked subject.I mainly focused on deciding the next project focus for the team for the upcoming semester as a current research paper is coming to an end.
Throughout the semester, I worked with my peers to research types of bioplastics and how to improve the sustainability of menstrual products. From drafting ideas and researching everything from biosensors to biodegradable menstrual products, we decided a specific focus of creating a tangible menstrual product that meets the needs of sustainability, biodegradability and follows Wish for Wash’s mission.
Through research, compiling charts/tables and drafting proposals, I had the opportunity to learn and integrate my interests in bioplastics and menstrual health. So far, I have enjoyed my time as being a part of this team, surrounded by wonderful, hard-working, and like-minded peers. As the team progresses, I am excited for what we will accomplish this upcoming year and am excited to partake in the new project that the team will be focusing on. I cannot wait to delve into our interests to a greater degree and learn more about such an integral topic! — Ashritha
