MCSI P ARTNERSHIPS C REATE P UBLIC G OOD
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Hydroponics Club The University of Pittsburgh’s Hydroponics Club is sponsored by MCSI and advised by Dr. David Sanchez. This past year, they worked to build an insulated microclimate in their Homewood garage. This microclimate will allow them to grow produce year-round (not previously practical in winter). To implement the project, the Hydroponics Club received funding from the Pitt Green Fund and completed the project in the Spring 2022 semester. This microclimate currently houses two running nutrient film technique (NFT) systems that produce 48 crops each, a small Dutch bucket system, and an ongoing vertical system project. Now that the microclimate has been built, the Hydroponics Club can continue donating produce to the Everyday Cafe in Homewood.
Homewood – Ruach Bicycle Club Supported with funding by MCSI and led by faculty mentor, Dr. Bob Kerestes and his PhD student, Sabrina Nguyen, the Ruach Bicycle Club outreach program worked with underrepresented minority youths on building a solar powered bicycle LED charger. The students learned how to use basic electrical tools, wiring and soldering basics, circuit protection, and about using renewable energy.
