UNM team takes Smart Acequias project to BioDesign Challenge
July 20, 2023 - Mary Beth King
Four undergrads at The University of New Mexico have tackled the problem of water scarcity in the southwest United States by developing a project that would use radar sensors to determine the water levels of the irrigation channels and connect to an app that would let farmers know when to irrigate their farms.
The students, who call themselves the Drip Drop Dream Team, recently took their project Smart Acequias to the BioDesign Challenge in New York. All four are from New Mexico and are profoundly aware of the importance of water conservation and the historic acequia system.
The team studies with Professor of Art and Associated Professor of Computer Science Andrea Polli and her teaching assistant Amy Pillings.
A native of Albuquerque, Devin Pacheco is a junior majoring in film production. After graduating, Pacheco plans to move to California to pursue a career in film. He used his film production skills as a member of the Drip Drop Dream Team.
“For the Smart Acequia project, I handled more of the creative side including our team’s video and poster board,” Pacheco said. “With my focus in film, the BioDesign project was completely out of my element, but I would 100 percent do it again. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left me feeling confidence in my capabilities. I would have never imagined that signing up for one class would've led to new friends, new knowledge, and new surroundings as I try to create something that I truly care for like the Smart Acequia.”
Read more in the UNM Newsroom
