Our lab is seeking motivated, self-directed undergraduate students to join us for hands-on research projects. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in cutting-edge plant science technologies and contribute to meaningful research. Successful applicants will have the chance to work on one of the following projects:
1. Development of a Low-Cost NDVI Sensor Using LED
In this project, students will explore the development of an affordable Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) sensor using LED technology. Participants will:
- Gain hands-on experience operating spectrometers to analyze plant properties.
- Learn to design, control, and integrate low-cost ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sensors for environmental monitoring.
- Engage in open science practices, ensuring that all processes, data, and documentation are openly shared for transparency and reproducibility.
Students are encouraged to review the following resources for context:
- [Video link]
- [Kim, J., Ryu, Y., Jiang, C., & Hwang, Y. (2019). Continuous observation of vegetation canopy dynamics using an integrated low-cost, near-surface remote sensing system. Agricultural and forest meteorology, 264, 164-177.]
2. Development of a Filter-Based Chamber for Monitoring Chlorophyll Fluorescence
This project focuses on designing and optimizing a filter-based chamber system to measure chlorophyll fluorescence in plants. Participants will:
- Operate and analyze data using advanced PAM (Pulse-Amplitude Modulation) sensors to study photosynthesis.
- Develop expertise in controlling low-cost ICT sensors and integrating them into custom monitoring systems.
- Contribute to open science initiatives by documenting and sharing the entire development process.
Students are encouraged to read the following paper for a deeper understanding:
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for self-motivated students who are eager to learn, take initiative, and contribute to research in a collaborative environment. Additional tasks may include developing prototypes, troubleshooting equipment, or assisting with other ongoing lab projects.
Benefits of Joining
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge research tools and methodologies.
- Opportunity to contribute to open science and develop skills in reproducible research.
- Potential for co-authorship on publications or conference presentations, depending on the project’s progress.
- Guidance and mentorship in research techniques and critical thinking.