From Wastewater Science to Code: Database Intern Mark Fariñas Joins the Water Federation

As a summer Database Administrator Intern with the Water Federation, Mark Fariñas is bringing a rare blend of biological science and full-stack development to help modernize the organization's data infrastructure.

"It's not every day you get to combine a background in biology with computer science," Mark says. "But when you look at the goals of the Water Federation, the two worlds align perfectly."

Mark's path to the Water Federation is anything but conventional. Born in Stettler, Alberta and raised in Edmonton, he graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Immunology and Infection, a background that led him to work on COVID-19 wastewater surveillance and research for communities across Alberta. That hands-on experience with wastewater created an interest in the water sector.

When Mark returned to school to study Computer Science at MacEwan University, he kept an eye out for ways to bridge his scientific background with tech. The Water Federation role found him through a professor connection.

"With my previous background in wastewater research and my current focus on full-stack development and backend engineering, it felt like a seamless fit," Mark says. "It's a great opportunity to transition back into the water sector, but from a technological standpoint."

This summer, Mark is leading the modernization of the Water Federation's core data infrastructure. His main project is converting the organization's legacy Microsoft Access database into a modern, secure web-based system, migrating critical data onto a more robust platform. Alongside migration, his role will include administering the Water Federation website and automating the routine procedures the team currently handles.

"What excites me most about this internship is the absolute ownership of the project. At larger companies, interns usually work on tiny features of existing systems. Here, I get to build a migration project from the ground up."

Beyond the migration work, Mark is driven by the chance to streamline day-to-day operations for the Water Federation team. By automating existing processes, he hopes to make daily workflows faster and simpler for everyone.

"Having complete project ownership and building a real, working system is going to be a great experience for my future tech career," Mark says. "I'm ready to make an impact."