Congratulations to Sam Craven, an Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate student, for taking first place in the BYU 3 Minute Thesis competition! After winning both the Department and College-level competitions, Craven claimed the top prize at the University level.
The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges graduate students to deliver a three-minute oral presentation about their research in a way that is accessible to the general public.
For the past three years, Craven has worked with Dr. Mazzeo on Smart Stakes, a project aimed at developing a more affordable soil moisture sensor. This technology has the potential to significantly improve irrigation efficiency.
In his presentation, Craven explained that the wireless soil moisture sensors he has been developing can connect to receiver locations over long distances, even through minor obstructions like trees or farming equipment. These sensors are long-range, self-powered, and highly cost-effective, making them useful for a variety of applications. Farmers, geologists, and agronomists have expressed interest in the devices to monitor soil conditions.
When asked about Sam’s contributions to the project, Dr. Brian Mazzeo shared, “Sam takes on problems and works diligently to break through barriers. He has never given up, even when some of the technical challenges we have faced have taken months to solve.
"Sam Craven started as an undergraduate on this project before we had external funding. When we were on a shoestring budget, Sam believed in the promise that we could do something that could positively benefit the world. His confidence drives his excellent work.
"Sam is great, not just as an engineer, but as a communicator who is able to effectively engage with our colleagues and collaborators.”
Sam’s work is supported by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
His full presentation can be viewed here.