This can be done through the design of a new tool or process, or through the implementation of the instruments necessary for their data collection. David repairing the canopy research balloon he designed. SERC contains a 50 meter meteorological tower primarily used as a research tool in the study of the forest canopy. Part of my duties are to help install, calibrate, and check instruments at the tower. The data acquisition at the tower helps scientists to understand what is going on in the forest through the measurements of variables such as wind, humidity, temperature, C02 level, rain fall, turbulence, and light.
Light is of particular interest in the forest.
After all, the tower can only give us a limited view in a large gap in the canopy. As one of my projects I was given the task of developing a tethered balloon system for light measurements in the forest. I designed, built, and demonstrated the applicability of such a system. Installing high precision meteorological instruments on the top level of the canopy I believe science and engineering need to work hand in hand to help solve some of the environmental problems our world is facing. For more information or to request a copy of the newsletter, contact the SERC education department.