"Hungry for Knowledge"

Our structure is a microscope analyzing a strand of DNA, a design meant to encompass both the goal to end hunger and the search for knowledge at microscopic levels. It also symbolizes aspects of engineering, the DNA representing bioengineering and the building of the structure representing mechanical engineering. UC Riverside researchers fight world hunger by studying plant DNA so they can cross different natural strains of food crops to develop new varieties with desirable qualities such as pest resistance and drought tolerance; detect bacteria in food supplies; test for allergens; and determine the nutritional content of grains. This information may be used by all countries to produce nutritious food in the most efficient and economical manner, optimizing the world’s resources.

Team Captain: Amy Ferreira
Team Members: Naubahar Agha, Giovannie Denina, Amy Higa, Joshua Hockel

Special thanks to others that worked on the project: Shruthi Bala, Jesse Banuelos, David Bui, Cathrine Hooker, Kevin Pauley, Chris Prasad, Christopher Webb, Eric Wittenmeier