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Engineering Service Learning Projects - Fall 2019

Capstone IDC | Engineering Service Learning | Mobile App Challenge

Engineering Service Learning Teams | Fall 2019

(For prior years team descriptions, visit our Teams Archive)


For more detailed information, visit the Engineering Service Learning Program site.

2. Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension (KARE) Center | Unmanned Aerial Systems

Nematode Detection in Walnut Orchards: Early detection of nematodes in walnut orchards

Nematode infestations account for up to 15% of crop losses due to tree stress, costing more than $104 million each year. The Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, part of the University of California Agriculture and Research Division, and the Unmanned Aerial Systems team are teaming up to reduce the effects of nematode infestations on walnut orchards. The UAS team is in the process of validating a proof-of-concept prototype system that utilizes multispectral imaging to scan and detect nematodes in walnut tree roost.  This system will allow growers to autonomously identify nematode infestations before they spread and cause more than hundreds of thousand of dollars in soil mitigation, lost production, and tree replacement.  Field sampling and preliminary multispectral scanning is complete; data analysis and field testing is scheduled for February of 2020.

3. Healthy House | Project Protect

Oral Health Mobile App: Multi-cultural focused oral health mobile application

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 44% of the population in California do not speak English at home.  In cooperation with Healthy House Within A MATCH Coalition, the Project Protect team is updating the Healthy Host app to improve access to healthcare for the multi-ethnic communities in Merced County. While the target audience of the app is elderly non-English speakers, the end-users of the app are the family and friend caregivers that typically range from 16- 33 years old.  This update provides oral health support information allowing care providers to support their loved ones and help them receive the care they need. New features of the Healthy Host application give care providers oral health information, a listing of oral health providers, insurance coverages, general oral health guidelines. As always, these resources are available in both print and audio format for English, Spanish, and Hmong users.  This Healthy Host app is curently available for download on both the Google Play store and the Apple App Store. 

4. UC Merced Sustainability | LEED Lab

Sierra Terraces EBOM: Performing the LEED existing building operations and maintenance certification for Sierra Terraces

As part of UC Merced’s Triple Zero sustainability commitment, all buildings at UC Merced are certified in the U.S. Buiding Council’s LEED program.  In partnership with the UC Merced Sustainability Department, the LEED Lab team is performing Existing Buildings Certification: Operations & Maintenance for the Sierra Terraces housing buildings at UC Merced. The LEED Lab team gathered technical data on operations and maintenance activities, which was analyzed to document and rate performance in various areas, such as water consumption, occupancy comfort, user transportation, and ASHRAE energy audits. The certification has been submitted to the campus Sustainability Department for review and submission to the U.S. Green /building Council for Platinum Level certification. Participation in this project satisfies the LEED Accredited Professional Certification requirements for professional licensing.

7. Le Grand High School | Get S.E.T.

Egg Rocket: Measuring the amount of energy, it takes to launch an egg into orbit and keep it intact.  

Le Grand High School has a student population of predominantly low-income and underrepresented minorities who often do not have the opportunities for technology-based activities in their curriculum. The Get S.E.T. team is partnering with the LeGrand High School physics department to develop and implement a physics-based lab that reinforces acceleration, conservation of energy, and engineering design.  The Egg Rocket project combines traditional waterbottle rocket experiments with egg-drop experiments to provide insights into kinetic and potential energy transfers and allow students to create ways to reduce the force on a falling egg so that it survives the impact.  Exhaustive safety, materials, and user testing are underway, and the Egg Rocket project is scheduled for delivery and implementation in February of 2020.


(For prior years team descriptions, visit our Teams Archive)

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