(UG09) Updating an Automated Scale for the Study of Dates

Author(s): Matthew Adam, Ryan Antes, Eli Hoffberg, Connor Gaudette

Advisor(s): Isa Bar-On, Erin Solovey, Tess Meier

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Southern Arava Research and Development studies agricultural practices on Medjool dates to support local farmers and protect the industry from water shortages and plant diseases. At Southern Arava Research and Development, the previously used data collection processes consumed much of the researchers’ time, so in order to help researchers use their time more efficiently, the project team retrofit an existing machine so the machine could automate both the classification of dates based on weight and maturity and the exporting of classification data on individual dates to Excel sheets. The workings of the machine that were learned or added during this project were documented in a manual to allow researchers to use the machine for years to come.

UN SDGs: SDG 2- Zero Hunger, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15 – Life on Land

Video Presentation:

(UG07) Mobile Poultry Processing on Nantucket

Author(s): Katie Bowles, Trevor Drane, Adam LaBombard, Charles Ritchie

Advisor(s): Dominic Golding and Bruce Bursten

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: The goal of our project was to create a plan and set of materials for the nonprofit Sustainable Nantucket to use to negotiate with the Nantucket Board of Health and other entities for the approval and implementation of a mobile poultry processing unit (MPPU) to encourage sustainable poultry farming on Nantucket. We observed an MPPU in operation on Martha’s Vineyard and evaluated regulations, farmer interest, operational logistics, and estimated costs on Nantucket. We concluded there is sufficient farmer interest to proceed and recommended the type of MPPU Sustainable Nantucket should consider purchasing and implementing. We developed a financial plan, operating manual, and other materials to help Sustainable Nantucket achieve regulatory approval at the state and local levels.

UN SDGs: SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:
*Project presentation starts at 7:10