A University of Iowa Technology Institute graduate research assistant has been recognized for his “outstanding” presentation on smart sensors used to measure soil and air quality.

Zeyuan Ru is in the graduate program at the College of Engineering and works under the mentorship of Prof. Jun Wang at the Atmospheric and Environmental Research Lab at ITI.

The AGU Atmospheric Sciences Section honored Ru with the Outstanding Student Presentation Award for his presentation titled “A smart-and-connected low-cost sensor system for measuring air and soil properties in the Central U.S.: first results.”

It “was one of the few student presentations to be recognized with the esteemed Outstanding Student Presentation Award,” Paul A Newman, AGU Atmospheric Sciences Section president, said in presenting Ru with the award. “This award is to recognize both your excellence in scientific research and your presentation skills.”

The project focus is developing a low-cost canopy sensor system to help farmers set more efficient irrigation schedules and plan their day-to-day operations for the crop fields.