Undergraduate students who have completed their second year in agricultural and/or biological engineering education will engage in research experiences with ongoing research projects. One-on-one faculty guidance will provide up to six different research project opportunities in a 10-week summer program. Projects primarily related to engineering of biological systems include instrumentation for estrus detection, anaerobic composting and digestion, mechanical properties of frozen bio-materials, and water quality control for aquaculture. Agricultural engineering related projects include robotic machines in grape pruning, torsional analysis of rigid diaphragms, and greenhouse environmental control. One-half of the summer program students will be recruited from other institutions and a concentrated effort will be made to recruit minorities from the 1890 Institutions. Minority and women alumni of the previous program will be encouraged to recommend fellow students for this program. The program will provide students with guidance of independent sub- project activity with increasing responsibility as the student gains experience. Written and oral reports of their research experience are required. A Presentations Day will be scheduled at the end of each study period (summer, fall and spring) for all student participants. The program is planned to generate additional student project proposals by the faculty and to provide a long-term model for a continuing program.
