MacroInvertebrates 2.21

This entry reviews a mobile application developed for the Vermont Macroinvertebrate Database, accessible via http://wikieducator.org/Rivers/home. The app synchronizes with the website upon request and features an intuitive interface designed to assist field researchers in the rapid identification of macroinvertebrates commonly found in Vermont streams.

Created as part of a student project for CS295/CS395 - App Development & Wireless Devices at the University of Vermont, the project was supervised by Associate Professor Christian Skalka. The student team comprised Elissa Benedetto, Jeremy Gould, My Mai, Lara Nargozian, and Colum Smith.

The underlying database was originally developed by the VT EPSCoR Center for Workforce Development and Diversity (VT EPSCoR CWDD) to facilitate macroinvertebrate identification in Vermont waterways. The resource is continually expanded through contributions to the WikiEducator site, curated by Declan McCabe, Biology Professor at Saint Michael’s College. The site includes individual pages for streams throughout Vermont, focusing on approximately the ten most prevalent macroinvertebrates in each location—which constitute over 95% of the organisms typically encountered there. Data sources include samples collected by Vermont EPSCoR interns and high school participants between 2008 and 2013. Notable contributors include Brian Cunningham, who established the initial web structure in 2009, and Erin Hayes-Pontius, who developed most of the content and images during that period.

Initiatives like this mobile application demonstrate efforts to support innovation and workforce development within VT EPSCoR, effectively enhancing communication outreach. The app is sustained by Steve Exler, Vermont EPSCoR’s Technologist.

Funding for this project was provided by Vermont EPSCoR through the National Science Foundation Grant EPS-1101317. The opinions and findings expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.