Progress 12/01/21 to 11/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included adults and youth aged 16+ interested in educational opportunities and career exploration in technologies related to sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and aquaponics in Hawaii. The project piloted a new aquaponics technologies internship format, engagingstudents in daily monitoring activities in hybrid trainings and in-person workshops. Changes/Problems:The devastating wildfires on Maui in August 2023 resulted in challenges for recruitment of internships due to the impact on workforce, housing and well-being for the local community. We ultimately exceeded the overall participation goals through the strong community network that has been established through this project, increased community interest in food security following the wildfires and more students returning to school for inperson trainings and community workshops indicate more community interest in aquaponics and agricultural technologies to support food security needs on Maui. The poject adapted to the changes in community participation in online couses and internships by hosting more community workshops for diverse groups including youth and adults that enabled the project to achieve its outcomes. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?New aquaponics staff hired through the project attended professional development activities including online trainings for animal welfare training certification, and on-campus trainings for health and safety, as well as trainings with community partners on Native Hawaiian cultural practices. The aquaponics coordinator attended a) 12th annual Aquaponics Conference, a premier event for colleges, institutions, and professionals in the field of aquaponics, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September 2023; b) Aquaponics system training session at the Keiki Museum, Kona, Hawaii, June 2024; )Hawaii Agriculture Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 2024. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through meetings with community stakeholders, including the UHMC Sustainability Committee, local non-profit organizations, and additional funders to plan for the sustainability of the project. Student teams presented their project outcomes in online Zoom meeting for other students, faculty, staff and community members as a culminating experience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project achieved its goals for the Objectives to: 1) extend and improve work-based learning programs through new curricula and training models; 2) provide students with technological skills and tools for data analysis and applied use of remote monitoring systems; and 3) engage students in experiential learning projects. The goal of Objective 4) to measure the Increase in students pursuing college and career pathways in agriculture continues as longer-term data collection is needed to evaluate the impact for high school students and their college outcomes. Overall, the project had a positive impact on increased knowledge and skills in applied technologies through enrollments and completion of training programs, and a diverse range of educational experiences including internships, online training and workshops. For Objective 1, the project accomplished the following goals: 1) Major activities included extending and improving the existing apprenticeship-based workforce training program in the form of a new aquaponics technologies internship format that blended use of data collection sensors, remote monitoring equipment systems and data analytics in daily operations and work-based learning applications. The new technologies included a digital relay control interface for greenhouse temperature control; optical water level valve control system to regulate high and low water level in aquaponics systems; and the Digital Water Flow Meter. 2) Data collected includes a daily cultivation and harvest database for reporting and analysis in the 5,000 sq.ft. aquaponics greenhouse environment using two different remote monitoring systems: Agrotek GCX+ and Sensaphone remote monitoring systems featuring a cloud-based database. Data collected using the remote monitoring systems includes water pH, electric conductivity (EC), oxidation-reduction potential (Redox ORP), water temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, light (Irradiance), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and plant leaf infrared (PLIR). 3) Summary statistics: the training program improvements using new curricula resulted in 36 interns, 135 online students, 475 community workshop attendees for a total of 646 participants, exceeding the project goal of 450 participants. The daily collection of cloud-based water quality, environmental data and production outputs has resulted in greater efficiencies, improved management of heat factors and increased productivity with over 4,000 lbs of produce per year compared to 1,000 lbs prior to the project integrating remote systems monitoring. The project to adapt remote sensing technologies and data analysis in daily greenhouse operations and educational training programs has resulted in an increase in applied use of knowledge and skills to increase productivity in aquaponics systems and support of food security through increased local food production for Maui communities. 4) Key outcomes included development of the following new Educational Aids or Curricula: a) Aquaponics internship curriculum that integrated hands-on training and data analytics using the new Agrotek GCX+ and Sensaphone remote monitoring systems resulting in an increase in knowledge and skills for internship participants in data collection and analysis of water quality, environmental conditions like temperature and light, and the impact on plant and fish health and productivity. b) Community workshop 1/2 day format for high school students that featured training in water quality testing and remote sensing systems resulting in an increase in applied STEM skills and knowledge of college and career pathways in agriculture and technology. c) Community workshop 1/2 day format that featured training in water quality testing, plant propagation and fish care in commercial and backyard aquaponics systems resulting in an increase in knowledge of strategies to address community food security and technology systems to increase productivity for local food production. d) New curriculum for a hybrid Energy Efficiency Lab course leading to a certificate of professional development that resulted in an increase in knowledge of energy efficiency data indicators and strategies to reduce energy use in greenhouse systems such as light switch and fan timers and annual review of energy consumption. Overall, the new curricula developed by the project created a valuable training repository that the UH Maui College WaiPono Farm project continues to offer for community education including online courses, work-based learning opportunities like internships for local students, and free community workshops promoting local food production using efficient systems and applied technologies such as remote sensing, energy efficient systems, and data analysis of production, environments and plant and fish health. For Objective 2, the project achieved the following goals: 1) Major activities included providing students with the technological skills and tools necessary for data analysis, data interpretation and agricultural remote monitoring systems. The program hosted 36 paid internships and hosted workshops for students from diverse programs including UH Maui College Marine Science Summer program; Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows Leadership; Malama Ika 'Aina Kekai-Ka 'Ike; Culinary Food Independence program; DOE students hosted by Hawaii Department of Agriculture Maui Nui Food Alliance Summit; County of Maui volunteers; Waihe'e Elementary; Blackfeet Community College; UH Maui College-Basic Needs Team; Molokai Farmers; Waimanalo Malama Aquaponics; UH Maui College Culinary Team; Job Corp; Haleakala Waldorf School; HFUU-Annual Convention; Upward Bound Summer Program; Boys & Girls Club-Maui; DOE Teachers; Kihei Charter Marine Science; University of Wisconsin Exchange; Malama I Ke Ola; Maui High School. 2) Data collected include 646 enrollments; 3) Summary statistics: 85% completion rate; and 4) Key outcomes: students gained skills and knowledge of data analytics processes and use of remote monitoring systems. Objective 3: Assess the effectiveness of integrating locally sourced fish feed and nutritious native plants such as taro and sweet potato with the use of data collection software and equipment, through student-led experiential learning projects that integrate remote monitoring devices and data analysis. 1) Major activities completed for Objective 3 include engaging students in experiential learning projects that integrated remote monitoring devices and data analysis to develop optional design and implementation of energy efficient systems in the aquaponics greenhouse environment. 2) Data collected include 36 interns enrolled; 3) Summary statistics: 36 interns completed student-led projects; 4) Key outcomes included 36 participants applied new uses of remote sensing systems in aquaponics systems and new technological skills for data analysis and data interpretation for the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and light on the productivity of the systems. For example, students measured radiation using the remote sensing systems and through observation learned that excessive light exposure results in damage to crops like butter lettuce in the aquaponics systems. By placing varying layers of shade cloth in the greenhouse to align with light exposure, students learned to manage radiation and eliminate damage to crops, resulting in increased productivity. For Objective 4, the project achieved the following goals: 1) Major activities included outreach events and enrolling high school students in internships, online courses and community workshops. 2) Data collected for Objective 4 included # of outreach events at organizations such as local schools, County of Maui Department of Agriculture programs and non-profit organizations; 3) Summary statistics: 85% completion rate; and 4) Key outcomes: students gained knowledge of college and career pathways in agriculture.
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Progress 12/01/22 to 11/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included adults and youth aged 16+ interested in educational opportunities and career exploration in technologies related to sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and aquaponics in Hawaii. In Y2, the project piloted a new aquaponics technologies internship format in Spring 2023. The project also engaged students in daily monitoring activities in hybrid trainings and in-person workshops. ? Changes/Problems:The devastating wildfires on Maui in August 2023 resulted in lower than expected student and community participation rates due to the impact on workforce, housing and well-being for the local community. For Y2, we anticipate reaching and potentially exceeding the overall participation goals through the strong community network that has been established through this project, increased community interest in food security following the wildfires and more students returning to school for in-person trainings and community workshops indicate more community interest in aquaponics and agricultural technologies to support food security needs on Maui. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?New aquaponics staff hired through the project attended professional development activities including online trainings for animal welfare training certification, and on-campus trainings for health and safety, as well as trainings with community partners on Native Hawaiian cultural practices. The aquaponics coordinator attended the 12th annual Aquaponics Conference, a premier event for colleges, institutions, and professionals in the field of aquaponics, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September 2023. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through meetings with community stakeholders, including the UHMC Sustainability Committee, local non-profit organizations, and funders to plan for the sustainability of the project. Student teams presented their project outcomes in online Zoom meeting for other students, faculty, staff and community members as a culminating experience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To further accomplish project goals, the following activities will be conducted in Year 3: For Objective 1, the project will continue to extend and improve the existing apprenticeship-based workforce training program by developing a new training modules that blend the use of data collection sensors, remote monitoring equipment systems and data analytics through online, hybrid and in-person training and community workshop formats. For Objective 2, the project will procure new technologies to provide training to students in data analysis, data interpretation and agricultural remote monitoring systems to attain the new industry-accepted Certificate of Professional Development credentials and other new credentials developed through the project. For Objective 3, the project will continue to engage youth and adult students in experiential learning projects that integrate remote monitoring devices and data analysis in the aquaponics greenhouse environment. For Objective 4, the project will continue its outreach and recruitment efforts to Increase the number of students pursuing college and career pathways in agriculture, with a focus on underrepresented, first-generation college going, culturally diverse and Native Hawaiian participants through strengthening partnerships with County of Maui Department of Agriculture, local high schools and non-profit organizations.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For the goals of Objective 1, the project extended and improved the existing apprenticeship-based workforce training program in the form of a new aquaponics technologies internship format that blended use of data collection sensors, remote monitoring equipment systems and data analytics in daily operations and work-based learning applications. The new technologies integrated into student teaching models included Digital relay control interface for greenhouse temperature control; Optical water level valve control system to regulate high and low water level in our aquaponics system; and the Digital Water Flow Meter. For the goals of Objective 2, the project provided students with the technological skills and tools necessary for data analysis, data interpretation and agricultural remote monitoring systems in the following workshops: Marine Science Summer program (June 2023); Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows Leadership (July 2023); Malama Ika 'Aina Kekai-Ka 'Ike (July 2023); Culinary Food Independence program (October 2023); Student tours with Department of Agriculture, County of Maui (November 2023); Maui Nui Food Alliance Summit (November 2023). For the goals of Objective 3, the project engaged students in experiential learning projects that integrated remote monitoring devices and data analysis to develop optional design and implementation of energy efficient systems in the aquaponics greenhouse environment including temperature, humidity and other data points for daily monitoring and adjustments. For the goals of Objective 4, the project sought to increase the number of students pursuing college and career pathways in agriculture, with a focus on underrepresented, first-generation college going, culturally diverse and Native Hawaiian participants through outreach and engagement with local community organizations including Department of Education, County of Maui Department of Agriculture and various non-profit organizations.
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Progress 12/01/21 to 11/30/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included adults and youth aged 16+ interested in educational opportunities and career exploration for adapting technologies related to sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and aquaponics in Hawaii. The project piloted new trainings including the Aquaponics Energy Efficiency Lab with 15 students in Fall 2022. The project researched and procured new technology tools to reduce energy costs, implement improvements to the resiliency of greenhouse infrastructure, and improve resource use efficiencies. Changes/Problems:Due to the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project faced challenges to attain the target participation rates due to limitations in face to face meetings on campus and the on-going surges that resulted from COVID variants. This resulted in a slower overall rate of budget expenditure in Y1. For Y1, we anticipate reaching and potentially exceeding the overall participation goals through the strong community network that has been established through this project, increased community interest in food security during the pandemic, and a return to campus for more in-person trainings and community workshops. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The new aquaponics staff hired through the project attended professional development activities including online trainings for animal welfare training certificationand on-campus trainings for health and safety, as well as trainings with community partners on Native Hawaiian cultural practices. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through meetings with community stakeholders, including the UHMC Sustainability Committee, local farming organizations, and funders to plan for the sustainability of the project. Student teams presented their project outcomes in an online Zoom meeting for other students, faculty, staff and community members as a culminating experience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To further accomplish project goals, the following activities will be conducted in Year 2: For Objective 1, the project will continue to extend and improve the existing apprenticeship-based workforce training program by developing new training modules that blend the use of data collection sensors, remote monitoring equipment systems and data analytics through online, hybrid and in-person training and community workshop formast. For Objective 2, the project will procure new technologies to provide training to students in data analysis, data interpretation and agricultural remote monitoring systems to attain the new industry-accepted Energy Efficiency Lab Certificate of Professional Development credential and other new credentials developed through the project. For Objective 3, the project will continue to engage youth and adult students in experiential learning projects that integrate remote monitoring devices and data analysis in the aquaponics greenhouse environment. For Objective 4, the project will continue its outreach and recruitment efforts to Increase the number of students pursuing college and career pathways in agriculture, with a focus on underrepresented, first-generation college going, culturally diverse and Native Hawaiian participants.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For the goals of Objective 1, the project extended and improved the existing apprenticeship-based workforce training program by developing a new Energy Efficiency Lab model that blended use of data collection sensors, remote monitoring equipment systems and data analytics through a community workshop format. For the goals of Objective 2, the project provided students with the technological skills and tools necessary for data analysis, data interpretation and agricultural remote monitoring systems to attain the new industry-accepted Energy Efficiency Lab Certificate of Professional Devleopment credential. For the goals of Objective 3, the Energy Efficiency Lab engaged students in experiential learning projects that integrated remote monitoring devices and data analysis to develop optional design and implementation of energy efficient systems in the aquaponics greenhouse environment including temperature, humidity and other data points for daily monitoring and adjustments. For the goals of Objective 4, the project sought to Increase the number of students pursuing college and career pathways in agriculture, with a focus on underrepresented, first-generation college going, culturally diverse and Native Hawaiian participants through outreach and engagement with local community organizations to recruit for the new Energy Efficiency Lab training.?
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