Carver Delves into Aeroponics

FACULTY/STUDENT RESEARCH:

Carver Delves Into Aeroponics

Compiled by Jan Joslin / Photos by Ty Cornett

Heather Carver, a senior biology major from Waynesville, North Carolina, discovered a love for aeroponics in a class in 2021. Aeroponics is a system of growing plants in air, without soil. Carver has finished her biology major requirements and will be studying abroad in Ecuador in fall 2022 to finish up minors in Spanish and criminal justice. Upon graduation, she will be studying for the LSAT with plans to attend law school.

Aeroponics Internship

I had taken Dr. Thomas Gurley’s aeroponic class in the fall of 2021 not knowing anything about aeroponics when registering. I had hoped it would be interesting but did not think there would be any spark of interest in the field. Come to find out I really enjoyed learning this all-new material throughout the semester that was unlike any of my previous science classes. Dr. Gurley was extremely passionate about aeroponics, and this made learning from him easy. After the class and the lab, I wanted to continue learning and do a project on my own, so I spoke with Dr. Gurley, and he made the idea reality. I learned what true research was because not everything worked as I thought it would and there were a lot of trial and error moments.

Why Radishes?

Radishes were used due to their quick germination and growing period. In the research experiment, Vitamin C content was measured, and radishes are known for their high vitamin C content as well.

Lessons Learned

I learned to pay more attention to the food that I am eating and where is it coming from. This class showed me there is a way to have fresh foods during all seasons of the year and in any area as long as there is a functioning system and electricity. I would like to eventually buy a system of my own for my home.

Heather Carver shows the different aspects of aeroponics equipment.