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In an inspiring blend of innovation, global collaboration, and real-world impact, mechatronic systems engineering (MSE) professor Woo Soo Kim and his fourth-year students travelled to Tanzania from April 28 to May 9, 2025, for a transformative international field study experience.

Partnering with the Arusha Centre for Environmental Research at Aga Khan University and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, the students joined forces with local graduate students and farmers to take on one of the world’s most urgent challenges—climate-resilient agriculture.

Throughout two eventful weeks, the team exchanged knowledge in hands-on research workshops, exploring ways to combat soil degradation, resource scarcity and inefficient farming practices—issues that directly affect food security in the face of climate change. The focus of their efforts was developing drone-based soil sensing technology that is powered by artificial intelligence. These smart systems create real-time nutrient maps, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use, improve soil health and sustainable boost yields.

This unique collaboration not only sharpened the students’ technical and problem-solving skills but also forged strong international partnerships focused on long-term agritech innovation. The trip provides a valuable example of how engineering education can reach beyond borders to drive real-world change—empowering the next generation of engineers to lead the way in climate resilience and global sustainability.