By Adrian Toscano, Technical Writing Assistant
Just in time for Christmas, a team of undergraduate students delivered an interactive gift to San Joaquin River visitors and those who care about the environment.
As of Dec. 10, 2015, the San Joaquin River Engineering Service Learning (ESL) team completed and delivered an interactive kiosk that helps engage people who use the river nature reserve, including teaching them about the effects of drought, water conservation and more.
A small team, including Project Manager Sang Sue Thao Assistant Project Manager Andres Escalante, Inventory and Finance Officer Christian Cuevas and Software Team Lead William Lindquist transported and assembled the kiosk at the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust in Fresno on a cold, rainy Thursday morning. The setup and installation of the kiosk took place over two hours and went off with very little troubleshooting.
“I am excited to have the kiosk added to our tour of the river,” said Sharon Weaver, executive director of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. She watched as the students set up the kiosk and talked about the benefits of her group’s partnership with ESL.
“It is a tangible benefit created by UC Merced’s students that serves as a great educational tool. The kiosk will benefit the thousands of visitors that come and see the (San Joaquin) river,” she said. “I am glad that I was able to participate in the review process of the kiosk. It was made with very much thought and effort.”
UC Merced Professor Thomas C. Harmon, advisor for the San Joaquin Reserve team, was also on hand for the installation.
“It is a big and momentous occasion,” he said. “The project has come to fruition and without a hitch. We hope for it to continue educating the people that visit the reserve in a fun and interactive way.” The completed kiosk brings to a close another successful ESL project. For more information about the team that finished the kiosk, visit the team’s site.
