The Power of Partnerships If two heads are better than one, then two or more organizations can push progress far beyond the reach of one alone. The future of RMBL lies in the partnerships we are forming with private- sector companies, institutions, and government entities.
The power of partnerships is that they enable us to navigate other revenue streams, seize new research opportunities, and elevate our influence. For example, we are partnering with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to foster collaboration among scientists and join forces on shared research initiatives. Together, we hope to identify gaps in long-term data sets and work together to strengthen them. Another example is our collaboration with the Rady Engineering Partnership Program, which allows students to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder while studying at Western Colorado University (WCU) in Gunnison. Two graduates, Jayden Omi, a computer scientist, and Tyler Baker, a mechanical engineer, have served as technical advisers for mechanical engineering
seniors at WCU working on their capstone project — a portable, lightweight weather station. Funding Jayden and Tyler’s work is TAPP, Gunnison Valley’s Tourism and Prosperity Partnership, whose interest is
RMBL researchers. They are designing a miniature weather station attached to a drone (aka a drone weather station) that is capable of collecting weather data anywhere the drone can fly.
complex task. In addition to mounting the weather station to Bruce, they must calibrate its computer to prevent readings skewed by propellers, electromagnetic fields, and unstable power supplies. They also must align the weather station’s data with Bruce’s ultra precise GPS. Currently, they are testing prototype iterations with the goal of achieving the final plug-and-play drone weather station. RMBL will use this sensor to better understand the evapotranspiration of tree canopies and the amount of water that leaves our local water system because of manmade marshes. Another important device Jayden and Tyler are re-engineering for RMBL with cooperation from Trimble, a company that makes geospatial mapping equipment for industrial applications, is the Trimble Catalyst Handle, used by surveyors to determine accurate coordinates. The device is highly useful for RMBL
“RMBL is pushing cutting-edge science forward with the expertise, time, and resources brought forth by the students and faculty. All of this helps TAPP’s mission of driving recruitment, retention, and funding at two of the valley’s biggest drivers.”
Jayden and Tyler preparing “Bruce” for flight over Gunnison, Colorado
researchers, who are required to plot their research areas to avoid overlapping or sensor interference. While the Trimble Handle is a highly useful tool, there is an opportunity to optimize its ergonomics. It’s easy to drop, which doesn’t bode well for surveying along beaver ponds or cliffs. By redesigning the tool to improve its functionality and friendliness, Jayden and Tyler are not only providing researchers with a reliable, easy-to-use survey device but also supplying Trimble with
a better product and quality assurance data while identifying a potential new user group. Prototypes are underway, and
the resulting product stands to add enormous value for research scientists as well as industrial users.
The Trimble Catalyst Handle is a perfect example of the innovative thinking that sets RMBL apart from typical research facilities. We not only understand the challenges that researchers face in the field but also are committed to coming up with innovative and collaborative solutions. Just like making many of our ecology-related datasets that are older than a half century digitally accessible, we are now making geospatial data more accessible for all researchers, now and in the future.
“In a time of competing research and funding priorities, partnerships are one of the more effective mechanisms for extending the reach of an institution’s impact.”
Andrew Sandstrom, | TAPP
to increase the valley’s profile and retain top talent.
The two have taken an existing weather sensor that measures wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, and pressure, and are working to mount it on RMBL’s drone (nicknamed Bruce). It’s a
Lewis Groswald | NCAR
Jayden and Tyler are also working with Dr. Ian Breckheimer on a project that will directly benefit
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