Case Study: Utah State University advances wastewater operator training with Skapa Tech's interactive simulation

Utah State University launches interactive wastewater operator training with Skapa Tech

Utah State University needed a way to provide its entry-level wastewater plant operators with realistic, hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment. To meet this challenge, the university partnered with Skapa Tech, which developed a web-based training and simulation system as part of an NSF grant.

The solution implemented by Skapa Tech was an interactive simulation featuring a biological modeling engine to compute critical effluent levels and provide water quality data. This allowed students to operate virtual plant components, run lab tests, and respond to instructor-set scenarios. The application provided visual clues and a dynamic scoring model to reinforce learning and assess performance, effectively giving students valuable operational experience without real-world risks.

Utah State University