PolyPonics-- Living Lab

Aquaponics is a rapidly expanding field that requires research and development in engineering, biology, horticulture, architecture and business. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo lacks an adequate facility that can support the growing interest amongst the student population and faculty. A small flagship system has been constructed on campus, but the current layout is too small to support the growth potential for interdisciplinary collaboration. The funds that are being requested would be applied towards expanding the current operation and fostering interdepartmental relationships that will allow for aquaponics at Cal Poly to thrive. The aquaponic’s club constituents will serve as the designers, builders, and long-term stewards of the new facility deemed the “Living Lab.” Once completed, existing Cal Poly courses will be able to utilize the facility as an immersive, teaching platform to transform classroom concepts into tangible applications