Projects

These are projects we are actively working on or planning:

Active Projects:
Project 1: RiverBot
Summary:
A mid-size AUS Submersible Robot – An autonomous submersible that will carry STEM-friendly sensor kits and professional scientific sensors into the Indian River Lagoon. The data will be collected from locations specified by the community of interest and will be made available to the public via an Amazon Web Services storage repository

Prototype #1, built by volunteers, is under evaluation. RiverBot Mark I is in design.
Details at RiverBot

Projects near launch or ready to launch:
Project 3:Indian River Lagoon Sensor Network
Summary:
This project centers on developing a sensor network that will (1) Collect data in the areas of highest pollutant concentration and algae bloom
and (2) Provide feedback, in near real-time, on the effectiveness of each
action taken to mitigate the issue. The data will be made available to the public via an Amazon Web Services storage repository
Status: Network design complete, specific sensor selection underway. Chlorophyll A sensor design alternatives identified
Impact of Funding: Protection of IRL marine life; Availability of IRL environmental data for the community, scientists/engineers and Government decision makers; Increase the economic value of the IRL for state tourism initiatives
Low cost Indian River Lagoon sensor:

Projects in planning:
Project 2: Supercomputing in the classroom
Summary:
This project centers on the goal of providing middle and high school students access to research data, educational software and high performance computing via the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud
Status: Positive initial feasibility discussion with Amazon AWS senior management and the Florida Space Coast Stem Council, searching for Pilot funding, software partners and partner schools.
Impact of Funding: Funding will enable the execution of the pilot program, with 1-5 schools in Florida. Parallel to the Pilot program, we will generate a whitepaper on the feasibility of expanding to a statewide, national and international version of the program.

Project 4: Oceanic Robot
Summary:
A group of robots that can identify and remove plastic and trash from the Ocean Environment, relying on sensors that can detect and differentiate pollutants from marine life.
Status: Sensor prototype in early development. Robot platform will be based on experience gathered, lessons learned and the professional network of advisors established building RiverBot
Impact of Funding: Hiring of specialized technical experts to realize the development of the oceanic sensor and the implementation experience gained on the RiverBot project.

Project 5: Caribbean Trash Mitigation
Summary:
Application of plasma gasification technology to address ongoing trash management issues in Caribbean nations.
Status: Research of potential solutions is ongoing.
Impact of Funding: Application of plasma technology will reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the Ocean Environment around the Caribbean nations (prevent the increase of oceanic garbage patches). Development of new jobs and positive impact to local economies in participating countries.

Project 6: Scholarships
Summary:
Identification of students with a passion and skill set for social change and improving the environment.
Status: Draft criteria established, further development on hold pending the establishment of a consistent funding stream
Impact of Funding: Award of financial resources to students who will make a positive contribution to the global environment.