It is solved by living: Small Scale, Big Impact

While visiting St. Mary’s College in Maryland, Lillian Gunder ’25 stopped on the St. Mary’s River and spotted a Breton Observation Box (BOB) placed in the water. The BOB, an inexpensive remote monitoring kit, can measure various parameters in the water, including air and water humidity, pH levels, and more. They are programed to send measurements to the internet every 15 minutes.  

“I thought it was really interesting,” says Gunder. “I thought to myself, ‘this would be a cool project.’ I really like biology, so this piqued my interest.” 
 

Gunder followed the QR code on the signage in the hopes of connecting with some of the volunteers who worked on the project. Eventually she connected with Norm and Shelly O’Foran who are helping Gunder, as well as a number of students in Maryland, to build BOBs. Gunder meets with the O’Forans via Zoom each week and they record their sessions while they work. They have one meeting per week, with the goal of completing the BOB by Spring 2025.  

“It’s a win-win,” says Gunder. “I’m getting guidance on how to make them, and we are recording the project being built, which can be passed on to others who also want to create a prototype.” 

At least 11 other prototypes are being built. “The next one is always better than the last one,” says Gunder.  

Gunder has continued the work she started last year, working toward completing her capstone project for the Design Institute prior to graduation in May. 

It is such a cost-effective system. It can help smaller conservancies and help support ecosystem conservation. Something on a small scale, can have a large impact.  -- Lilly Gunder '25

The Institutes at Perkiomen School