Sticky Pi
Continuing the mission to create a low-cost, scalable data collection platform for studying insect behaviour that anyone can use, I helped develop
a weatherproof holder for the battery module,
an interactive hardware documentation graph for how to build a Sticky Pi,
a "projects" feature for the Sticky Pi user-end webapp, enabling users to organize collected data into projects, view and edit data, and manage collaborators, and
a mock API for testing and development for the Sticky Pi user-end webapp.
Smartrap
A low-cost, scalable data collection platform for studying insect behaviour and pest management trials for organic agriculture.
The project is currently ongoing as Sticky Pi under Dr. Quentin Geissmann at UBC's PIEE Lab.
Overview
The "smart trap" is essentially an insect trap using food lures that tracks insect body count with time of entrance, important measurements for studying insect circadian rhythm and activity patterns. It can also be used in trials to evaluate/compare different pest lures and deterrents.
My Involvement
I worked under Dr. Quentin Geissmann at the PIEE Lab during August 2019. In helping develop the initial idea and prototypes, my specific responsibilities included 3D CAD design (OnShape) for printed parts, prototyping the optical motion/insect detection circuit and signal processing firmware with Arduino.
3D CAD Designs
Several different designs were printed and compared in lab trials.
Printed Prototype
The cup-ring prototype printed.
Insect Detection Mechanism
Testing the insect detection circuit & signal processing firmware. Essentially an IR LED and light sensor, built with Arduino.
Full playlist
An Incredible Learning Experience
Beyond the technical side of the project, over my time at the lab, I experienced first-hand the importance of great mentors, collaborating across disciplines and being open, as well as keeping curious and continuously learning.
PIEE was a perfect environment to experience interdisciplinary collaboration in. Students across the lab from insect ecology to plant genetics and integrated pest management provided valuable insights in each others' research, discussing methods and findings together. From meetings to coffee break chats, reaching out to other departments at the university, and even a trip to a fellow government research institute, I saw first-hand how everyone's perspectives complemented and built on one another, sparking innovation. For example, our trip to the Agassiz Agricultural Research Centre, our simple exchanges with fellow researchers inspired us to explore different physical forms for our prototype.
I am deeply grateful to everyone at the lab for providing such an incredible environment to volunteer and grow in, and making me feel so welcome. Shoutout to Professor Carrillo, Jordan, Jennifer, Chelsea, Matt, Jimmy and Quentin who were absolutely incredible mentors and friends who were always open to my questions and helped me develop my skills. My time at PIEE was truly an unforgettable learning experience.