TURTLE TECH POWER The Turtle Tech program, a collaboration
Arizona Sea Turtle Ziva, a green sea turtle originally rescued in Florida, was deemed not releasable after being hit by a boat in 2010. Arizona’s Sea Life Aquarium welcomed her, making her the first sea turtle to call the state home. Lucky Seven There are seven species of sea turtles: Leatherback, Green, Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Flatback. Lights Out During turtle nesting season, artificial lighting along beaches can disorient hatchlings trying to make their way from their nests to the ocean. Hatchlings vs. Washbacks A baby sea turtle is called a hatchling. A washback is a baby sea turtle that has been washed back to shore due to storms, waves and wind. Sorry, Dude Despite how it was portrayed in “Finding Nemo,” hatchlings do not stay with their parents. Once eggs hatch, hatchlings are on their own.
between Northrop Grumman and Embry-Riddle, aims to aid sea turtle conservation efforts by using technology to collect valuable data such as nest locations and frequency of the return to their nests, as well as dangers facing this endangered species. By using Unmanned Aircraft (UA), or drones, researchers can collect data without disrupting sea turtle habitats. Senior Aerospace Engineering major Liz Bosh (’23) leads the engineering side of the project, which focuses on the computer used for data collection aboard the drones. From the building of neural networks for the computers to identify the turtles to the 3D modeling of the mount used to attach the computer and camera, it takes a team of engineers from various disciplines to ensure all the components are not only operational but airworthy as well. As the technology used for Turtle Tech evolves, more specific information can be communicated, including the number of turtles in an area, as well as the specific species. Senior Aerospace Engineering major Ariel Goya (’22) realized early on in his involvement with the Turtle Tech project that he would be contributing to something unique. “Once I went to the first flight test, it made me realize that it was even cooler than how it sounded,” said Goya. Bosch recognizes the importance of Embry-Riddle’s partnership with Northrop Grumman and understands the importance of her involvement. “Northop Grumman is doing this to give back to the community, and I wanted to be a part of that.” Liz Bosch ’23 Aerospace Engineering
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