Chengcheng Zhai

Research: 

My research on drinking water access is grounded in close collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and extensive fieldwork. From 2020 to 2022, I worked as a data analyst intern with charity: water, an international fundraising NGO. In addition, I collaborate with local implementing NGOs in Ethiopia, Malawi, the Central African Republic, and Uganda. 

My research is informed by four field visits—one in Ethiopia in 2020 and three in Malawi in 2022, 2025, and 2026—which provide critical, on-the-ground insights. Together, these experiences enable me to conduct research with meaningful real-world impact. A Hope that Lasts documents my journey so far.

My work addresses key operational and policy questions, including where to build new water points to improve access and equity; how to maintain infrastructure to ensure sustained water flow; the role of female leadership in village-level governance in improving water point functionality; and how operational transparency can be leveraged to increase donations for rural water systems.

Worldwide, more than 770 million people still lack access to clean drinking water. By bridging the gap between research and practice, my work aims to contribute to sustainable solutions to this critical global challenge.