Interning in the MicaPlex Her determination led to working on the plant-microbial interactions project and eventually landed her the Acreage Farms internship. The company, located in the MicaPlex research park at Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, focuses on sustainable agriculture through vertical farming. “I’m basically a farmer,” Emma explains. “I go through all the manual processes of what it would be like without having automated technology in place to support the vertical farm.” Hydroponic farming, as Emma describes, brings not only future applications for Mars and the Moon but also immediate benefits here on Earth. “Hydroponic vertical farming is a lot more water efficient,” she notes. “You’re reusing the water supply as it travels back to the reservoir. It’s about having consistent water flow even when your environment doesn’t see rain for a month.” This research highlights hydroponics’ potential to address climate challenges and improve resource efficiency, benefiting regions facing water scarcity.
Her passion for sustainable agriculture was sparked by a high school project involving composting, where she developed a deep appreciation for the natural processes that sustain life. “That’s really where it started for me,” she says, “I wanted to work beyond the conventional laboratory.” She also credits her green thumb to her mother, a dedicated gardener who instilled a love of nature and an understanding of how to nurture life. Finding Balance Balancing her commitments is no small feat. Emma juggles her research work in the Space Microbiology Lab with her internship at Acreage Farms and responsibilities as a Resident Advisor. These roles require a demanding schedule and intense time management, yet Emma embraces the challenge. Emma’s willingness to learn and get involved has been key to her success. Reflecting on how she first approached Dr. Hugo Castillo, Principal Investigator of the Space Microbiology Lab, she says, “I told him, I have no experience to offer, but I’m willing to clean equipment, organize anything that you guys need ... as I gain experience.”
Emma Costa Embry-Riddle Student Is a Farmer in the Lab ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY KIM SHEETER WITH EMBRY‑RIDDLE’S NEWS TEAM
This hands-on, scientific approach is part of Emma’s journey as an Aerospace Physiology major at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. Originally from Miami, Emma arrived at Embry‑Riddle with plans to study Aerospace Engineering, inspired by alumni from her high school who pursued flight and engineering. “In orientation, they introduced engineering as something very computer-focused,” she recalls. “I wanted to be hands-on, and thankfully I found Aerospace Physiology.” This major offered the practical experience she craved, with labs incorporated into virtually every class. Emma Costa (’26) is redefining how we approach agriculture, both on our planet and beyond. “Imagine creating your own Earth,” she says, describing her internship at start-up Acreage Farms. “You get to change the weather, the water supply and the entire environment to grow crops. It’s like being Mother Nature, adjusting conditions to meet your goals.”
I’m basically a farmer. I go through all the manual processes of what it would be like without having automated technology in place
to support the vertical farm. Emma Costa (’26) | Aerospace Physiology
12 | Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences
2024 - 2025 Annual Report | 13
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online