Projects

Executive Summary

The purpose of this project is to implement a Vertical NFT Hydroponic System embedded in a shelter, providing a scalable and community-focused solution for sustainable food production. The goal is to empower shelter residents by offering a user-friendly, resource-efficient platform for cultivating fresh and nutritious produce. This initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency, community engagement, and environmental responsibility through comprehensive training, resource accessibility, and ongoing community support.

1. Problem Addressed

The project addresses food insecurity and the lack of nutritional food accessibility among homeless individuals residing in shelters.

Project Overview

1. Context and Background

Being formerly homeless, the recognition of food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies within the shelter system sparked the idea for this project. The typical food orders in shelters consist of boxed, canned, and microwavable food, lacking essential nutrients. This project seeks to empower individuals by providing a replicable NFT hydroponic system within the shelter environment.

2. Problem Statement

The issue at hand is food insecurity among the homeless population. Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to nutritious and affordable food. Homeless individuals often struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs due to limited financial resources, lack of access to cooking facilities, and limited availability of fresh and healthy food options.

3. Factors to Consider

The factors to consider include the availability of food, access to cooking facilities, and personal experience of cooking. Further factors that are needed to be consider include individual needs, integration of the design into the environment, and addressing concerns and questions. Troubleshooting is essential for assembly and efficacy.

4. Recommendations

Recommendations include person-centered needs assessment, area evaluation, identification of what works for individuals, and the provision of support in system maintenance.

5. Support for Recommendations

The support for recommendations includes the provision of training and education, access to resources, area assessments, ongoing support mechanisms, and community engagement.

Project Analysis

1. Contributing Factors to the Problem

Contributing factors include the lack of nutritional options in shelter food orders and the absence of preparation for post-shelter nutritional self-care.

2. Location Strengths and Weaknesses

The location's strengths lie in its replicable and adaptable design, making it suitable for installation in any window area with minimal space requirements. The system's portability allows for easy transfer, and its intentional placement within residents' personal spaces ensures accessibility for observation and maintenance at their convenience. However, challenges arise in adapting the system to diverse individual environments, addressing limited space constraints, and mitigating potential maintenance difficulties for residents unfamiliar with hydroponic systems.

3. Steps for Recommendation and Implementation

The design and materials list are tailored to suit individual needs, ensuring accessibility and ease of use.Overcoming arising challenges involves providing ongoing support, educational resources, and creative solutions to maximize space utilization. By acknowledging and addressing these location-related factors, the project aims to empower shelter residents with a sustainable and user-friendly solution for cultivating fresh produce.

Project Milestones

1. Project Plan

The project plan for implementing the Vertical NFT Hydroponic System involves a systematic approach to installation and testing. The farm system components are assembled according to the 2D and 3D farm design. Functional testing includes verifying water irrigation, PVC pipe water flow, light distance optimization, and testing the air pump and airstone functions. Structural support is confirmed to ensure stability. The plan emphasizes adjustments and optimization based on observarions, system maintenance, daily monitoring with visual data representation, and troubleshooting.

Challenges & Solutions

There was a change in the crops to emphasize on the growing of spinach rather than a variety of crops. This will aid in maintenance, troubleshooting, and practice.



Farm Design Resources

• 🌿 Farm Plan
• 🌿 Project Plan
• 🌿 Farm System SOP
• 🌿 Material List

• ---

Executive Summary

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols facilitating communication and interaction between different software applications. This report documents the creation of a Plant Identification API aimed at assisting farm workers in promptly identifying various plant diseases.

1. Problem Addressed

The challenge revolves around the lack of early identification of plant diseases on commercial farms, leading to unhealthy harvests. The Plant Identification API aims to provide farm workers with a tool to identify issues and implement solutions early on, preventing crop loss.

Project Overview

1. Context and Background

A visit to a cannabis farm in Upstate New York revealed widespread crop health issues due to unidentified deficiencies. Prompted by this, the Plant Identification API was conceived to aid farm workers in recognizing and addressing plant diseases efficiently.

2. Problem Statement

The core challenge addressed in this project revolves around the development of an Application Programming Interface (API), specifically designed as a plant identifier API. The primary objective is to confront the prevalent issues related to plant diseases encountered by farm workers.

3. Factors to Consider

Identifying the type of API you want to create and what specific answers you would like to get from it. There are thousands of resources out there so make sure you fully understand what the specific api you choose will provide to you.

4. Recommendations

Research on different API machine learning services that are relevant to the type of API you would like to create or replicate. Extensive research on how to write code (Javascript in this case) that will enable you to write the functions you’d like to include, what type of information you would like to fetch, and which HTTP methods to send and receive. Identify goals and purpose of the API, once completed, troubleshoot and test your tool.

5. Support for Recommendations

I would support my recommendations by conducting immense amounts of research, trying out other API’s that have been created and selecting the aspects you like and dislike from each and by experimenting with the possibilities of what can be created.

Project Analysis

1. Contributing Factors to the Problem

Lack of information given to workers regarding plant diseases, deficiencies and treatments. Absence of SOP regarding the steps to take to observe and notice abnormalities in the plants. .

2. Location Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths of API’s include convenience and accessibility. Rather than researching all the possible issues a plant can be having, we can simply upload a picture and immediately come up with the most probable issue occurring. The weaknesses include that there is no guarantee. The answer given through the API is the closest answer according to the specific data collected. Hence, there's no guarantee it is the right solution for every problem uploaded.

3. Steps for Recommendation and Implementation

Step 1 - Learned about JSON, Axios, APIs, Postman, and Machine learning integration in web development. Step 2 - Identified goals in which requests and responses the data server will fetch. Step 3 - Troubleshooting, debugging, and testing of API & website.

Project Milestones

1. Project Plan

The project plan for implementing the Vertical NFT Hydroponic System involves a systematic approach to installation and testing. The farm system components are assembled according to the 2D and 3D farm design. Functional testing includes verifying water irrigation, PVC pipe water flow, light distance optimization, and testing the air pump and airstone functions. Structural support is confirmed to ensure stability. The plan emphasizes adjustments and optimization based on observarions, system maintenance, daily monitoring with visual data representation, and troubleshooting.

Challenges & Solutions

There were occasions when the API experienced malfunctions, and the process of debugging and troubleshooting resulted in delays to the overall project advancement. To address this issue, we undertook a thorough debugging process, attentively reviewing our code, conducting observations, and adhering to guidance provided by our technology instructors. Additionally, a practical resolution was achieved by duplicating the HTML and creating a second version, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of the API.

Executive Summary

This report aims to record the genetic modification process involving the injection of a vanilla bacterium into a tobacco plant. Genetic engineering opens up numerous possibilities for the future of agriculture, including increased yields, improved crop traits, and the creation of disease-resistant varieties. By exploring these possibilities, genetic engineering offers a pathway to eliminate factors that harm crops, presenting a promising avenue for addressing agricultural challenges.

Project Overview

1. Context and Background

This plant genetic modification experiment was conducted with the aim of exploring genetic engineering's potential impact on crops, this experiment seeks to demonstrate the ability to change the DNA of a plant. Using the agroinfiltration technique, we injected plants with a vanilla bacterium, introducing it alongside an agar gel medium. The success of the experiment is indicated by the development of red spots at the injection sites.

Project Analysis

1. Contributing Factors to the Problem

The challenges at hand involve the cultivation of weak, unhealthy, and low-yielding crops, often stemming from issues like pests, diseases, climate conditions, and pollution. In this case, we were able to change the flavor profile of the tobacco plant. Through the application of genetic engineering to plants, we aim to pinpoint and incorporate optimal DNA elements. This strategic modification seeks to ensure a consistent production of larger, healthier, and more flavorful crops.

2. Location Strengths and Weaknesses

Strength: The presence of live instruction from David greatly facilitates the entire experiment. Weakness: Online instruction restricts the capabilities of the overall experiment.

Experiment

1. Materials Needed

Pasteur Pipettes 5x, Glass bottle 1x, LB Rifampicin/Speectinomycin agar 1x, Injection media concentrate 1x, 7 petri plate sleeve 1x, Nitrilie gloves, Inoculation loops 10x, Blunt syringes 5x, 50 mL tube 1x, 50 mL tube for measuring 1x, 15 mL tubes 5x, Sterile water 1x, Sprouting discs 5x, Bag of soil 1x, Pot 1x, Plasstic tub for sprouting plants 1x, Nicotiana tabacum plant, Agrobacterium with RUBY plasmid.

Steps for making Agar

What is Agar?

Agar is medium that cures into a gelatinous form and when mixed with the proper chemicals and nutrients it provides a solid base to grow your bacterial and yeast cultures off of.

STEP 1:Put on a pair of Nitrile Gloves

Contamination is critical, as you are providing a platform for bacteria and yeast to grow. They both exist naturally on our skin and in the air, so gloves are a necessity.

STEP 2: Pour the powder into your bottle.

Fill your bottle or container that is microwave safe with the correct amount of water(don’t go above 150mL for the bottles we provide with kits). Use a 50mL measuring tube to help get an accurate volume. Put lid on water and gently shake the agar will look grainy in the water, that is ok. Put cap on container and barely turn it just to hold it in place. *Note: Do not tighten LID, can possibly make bottle explode.

STEP 3 : Microwave the Agar

Place a paper towel or napkin on the tray in the microwave. Microwave for 30 second increments on a normal setting. Stand and watch for boiling as you do not want it to boil over. Let it rest for a minute if it starts to boil and open cap to vent. Be careful if you shake the bottle when it is hot it can bubble over. The AGAR media should dissolve in 2-4 minutes. Look at the bottle and make sure you can see clearly through. Let it cool for 30 minutes or until you can hold it without discomfort.

STEP 4: Pour the Agar onto the plates

Pour enough to fill the bottom of the plates and place the lid on top. They take around 30 minutes to solidify but this process can be sped up by placing them in the fridge NOT freezer.

STEP 5: Store the plates

Option 1: Leave places out a few hours or overnight on a table or counter. Option 2: Store them at 4C in your refrigerator. This lets some of the condensation escape back out. Store upside down so any condensation doesnt drip on the plate.

Steps for Growing Agrobacterium

Agrobacterium, often used in genetic engineering, carries vanilla flavor compounds, which we would like to utilize to change the flavor profile of the tobacco plant. We prepare the agrobacterium culture by growing it in agar gel for roughly 18 hours. Through agroinfiltration, we will inject the vanilla into our tobacco leaves.

STEP 1: Take the freeze dried Agrobacterium tube. Add 4 drops of sterile water using your pasteur pipette. Shake for one minute to ensure the bacteria is dissolved. You may need to add more water. Then add 2 drops of the bateria to a new LB Rif/Spec plate.

STEP 2: Using an inoculation loop, spread bacteria. Let the plate grow overnight ~16-18 hours, or until you see white-ish bacteria begin to grow.

STEPS FOR TRANSFORMATION

STEP 1: Prepare injection media by adding water. Grab a 50mL tube and fill it to the 50mL line with tap water. Then pipette 1 mL od media into the mL. Screw on cap, adnd gentle shake the media.

STEP 2: Add 4mL of diluted injection media to a 15mL tube. Store the remainder in the fridge

STEP 3: Using an inoculation loop, gently scrape bacteria off a fresh plate until the loop is filled. Place loop into the tube with 4mL infiltration media and swirl to release bacteria. Shake or gently pipette up & down to break up any clumps.

STEP 4: Use a 1ML blunt syringe to draw up 0.5mL of the media with bacteria. Push out any air from the syringe and place the end firmly against the underside of a leaf on a flat smooth spot avoiding veins.

STEP 5: Place a finger gently but firmly against the other side to support the leaf. Very slowly depress plgunger to push the media & bacteria inside the leaf. You should see the liquid saturare liquid inside leaf tissue as is spreads.

STEP 6: If the experiment was successful, the places you injected the Agrobacterium into leaf should have a dark red spot.

Challenges

Lacking access to natural sunlight and devoid of a grow light, my tobacco plant exhibited negligible signs of growth. Furthermore, the ambient temperature in my basement apartment was excessively cold, dropping below 50°F. This suboptimal temperature proved detrimental to the growth of the tobacco plant, as these plants thrive in warm and dry conditions.

Solutions

The resolution to the predicament would have entailed either placing the plant outdoors or acquiring a grow light. However, logistical constraints hindered these options, as leaving the plant outside posed the risk of feline interference and procuring a grow light within a day proved unfeasible. Moreover, a more thorough exploration of optimal temperature requirements could have averted the impediment to plant growth, allowing for strategic placement near a portable heater to mitigate the unfavorable conditions.

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to document the farm development project at PS328, where a collaborative effort with the community garden "El Coqui," Soulful Synergy, and Middle School PS328 involved the deconstruction and rebuilding of a 10x10 greenhouse. The primary objective was to create a space for housing aeroponic systems, cultivating a variety of crops to provide fresh produce for the students.

1. Problem Addressed

The problem addressed in this project revolves around the limitations of the school's food pantry, which predominantly relies on canned goods. Despite the existing food pantry, the challenge lies in addressing food insecurity with a more diverse and nutritious food offering. Recognizing the importance of fresh produce, the school aims to shift from a reliance on canned goods to incorporating more fresh produce into their food assistance program. By doing so, the project seeks to enhance the nutritional value of the provisions provided by the food pantry, thereby offering a more comprehensive solution to the issue of food insecurity among the school community.

Project Overview

1. Context and Background

The project was initiated to enhance food production capabilities at Middle School PS328 by transforming a 10x10 greenhouse into a functional space for aeroponic systems. The collaboration with community partners aimed to provide a sustainable source of fresh crops for students.

2. Problem Statement

Despite the existence of the food pantry resource, there is a recognized need to address food insecurity more comprehensively by diversifying and enriching the available food options. The predominant reliance on canned goods falls short in meeting the nutritional needs of the community. Thus, the project aims to introduce a transformative shift, prioritizing fresh produce to ensure that the school's food assistance program not only addresses immediate hunger but also promotes the overall well-being and health of the students

3. Factors to Consider

The factors to consider include the amount of students' enrolled in the food pantry assistance program, accesability to the greenhouse, and maintenance of the systems and overall growth of crops considering the variety of crops.

Project Analysis

1. Contributing Factors to the Problem

Contributing factors include the lack of nutritional options in the school and the need for greenhouse reconstruction

2. Location Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths included collaborative teamwork, while weaknesses encompassed the absence of a manual and challenges in greenhouse reconstruction.

3. Steps for Recommendation and Implementation

Steps involved collaborative troubleshooting, construction processes and maintenance, and the application of learned concepts from the AgTech course that students will be learning from.

Project Milestones

1. Project Plan

In building the greenhouse project plan, it is important to initiate a comprehensive needs assessment of the designated assembly area. This assessment serves to identify potential barriers and assess the overall accessibility of the location, ensuring a strategic and informed approach to the build. In this case, we were able to assess an area that had access to water and power outlet. Furthermore, thorough planning involves acquiring the necessary materials and tools essential for the construction process. A collaborative and cohesive team is necessary, one that not only contributes to the greenhouse construction but also demonstrates the ability to assist in various facets of the project. Additionally, effective time management and organizational skills are critical components, ensuring that the construction adheres to a structured timeline while following detailed instructions for a successful greenhouse build.

Challenges & Solutions

The project faced challenges during implementation, notably the absence of a manual and the need for greenhouse reconstruction. However, these challenges were effectively addressed through collaborative troubleshooting, expert assistance from Soulful Synergy, and the application of construction knowledge. The lack of a manual was mitigated by relying on the expertise within the team and community partners, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving. Additionally, the need for greenhouse reconstruction prompted a thorough evaluation of structural elements, leading to a successful rebuild. This collective effort played an important role in the successful build of the 10x10 greenhouse at PS328.