Outreach Activities

Sharing Farm Intelligence via Edge Computing

Our commitment to community engagement and educational outreach is a vital part of our mission. In Spring 2023, we actively participated in multiple rounds of iSCORE on the SLU campus, a program dedicated to expanding STEM education for PreK-12 and K-12 students, all thanks to the visionary leadership of Dr. Christa Jackson. To address the security aspects of our project, we've crafted interactive game-based activities designed to teach cryptographic concepts, including zero-knowledge proofs, to young students in the first, second, and third grades.

Furthermore, from March to August, one of our postdoctoral fellows provided valuable mentorship to three members of the Remote Sensing Laboratory – a master's student, a PhD student, and a postdoctoral researcher. This mentorship covered a wide array of topics, including clustering algorithms, image georeferencing using Python, and machine learning. We are proud to contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of STEM enthusiasts and researchers.

Kid playing with the FarmApp
Kid playing with the circuit boards

In this inspiring scene, we witness the fusion of youthful curiosity and innovative technology. A group of eager children, are engrossed in hands-on learning with circuit boards and jumper cables. This is not just a lesson in computer electronics; it is a gateway to understanding the pivotal role of technology in agriculture. Their enthusiasm is a testament to the potential of integrating technology with traditional agricultural fields, ensuring a future where agriculture thrives through innovation and informed care.

Our motivation stems from a deep belief in empowering the next generation. By teaching them how technology intertwines with fields like agriculture, we are not only fostering their technical skills but also planting the seeds of sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.

Kids being shown soil moisture sensor

Professor Esposito engages the kids in discussing the relevance of computer technology in precision agriculture. He shows them how to set up a demo circuit board. The kids were excited to learn new cool things about computing and they had things to say as shown in the picture at the bottom-left.