WORCESTER, Mass. – These local residents were among 189 students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute who recently completed an intense, hands-on research project.

Nicholas Deraney, of Merrimack, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, completed a project in Cape Town, South Africa. The project was titled “Kiddies College Preschool Collaboration Cape Town, South Africa.”

Kelsey Krupp, of Hollis, a junior majoring in biotechnical engineering, completed a project in Puerto Rico. The project was titled “Noise Analysis of San Juan.”

Nicholas LaJeunesse, of Hollis, a junior majoring in electrical and computer engineering, completed a project in Washington, D.C.. The project was titled “Successful Green Technology Entrepreneurs.”

Amanda Weis, of Hudson, a senior majoring in computer science, completed a project in Venice, Italy. The project was titled “Venice Through the Canals of Time: Mapping the Physical Evolution of the City.”

At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that applies science and technology to addresses an important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of students complete a project at one of the university’s 35 off-campus project centers, which are located around the world.