Michael Liva, Dr. Judy Pinto, and Carol Zepatos

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Urban Farming with Hydroponics,” focuses on assembling an experimental small-scale food growing system for urban environments using ebb and flow hydroponic technology. Biology students will be able to experiment with several conditions pertaining to growth, such as nutrient balance, flow times, and light levels. This will enhance their learning by enabling them to test biological principles. Engineering students will work with the biology students to set up the flow systems, monitor tank conditions, and set up a control system. These students will benefit by applying engineering principles that they have learned to a system that should function in a realistic environment. Liva and his team hope all students will benefit by working collaboratively across disciplines to achieve common goals.