Morris County School of Technology

Beeline

Sophia Kissling, Brendan Ma, Deshna Ranjan, Neeshtha Kapadia, Elizabeth Elden

Beeline is a proposed pollination system designed to reduce reliance on transported honeybees in California’s Central Valley. It uses a zipline-mounted device that disperses positively charged, pollen-carrying bubbles which are attracted to crops with natural negative charges. Powered by a motorized wheel and stabilized by wing-like panels, the system navigates cables and directs bubble dispersion via servo-controlled movement. By offering an alternative to industrial pollination, Beeline aims to protect bee health while supporting sustainable food production.

Bloom Boards

Elle Maher, Ava Sahiwal, Ivanna Melnyk, Kate Blekicki, Emma Nelson, Julia Sztolberg

Bloom Boards is a highway billboard system that integrates carbon capture, renewable biomass production, and advertising into a single platform. Using microalgae-filled tubular bioreactors, it absorbs vehicle emissions and converts them into biomass for biofuel and other valuable products. The system employs slug flow and Taylor Bubbles to enhance mixing, reduce biofilm buildup, and lower maintenance needs. Computer-controlled bubbles create dynamic visual displays, transforming existing billboard infrastructure into scalable tools for cleaner air, sustainable energy, and economic value generation.

Coral Connections

Nonfinalist Project

Marlee Marcelo, Nidhi Padalkar, Chloe Ross, Dyllan Shrem, Lila Parrish, Devorah Peled Wolf

This project focuses on addressing coral reef destruction caused by bottom trawling by designing artificial concrete reef structures that both protect marine ecosystems and promote regrowth. Research into existing reef restoration methods, material additives, and surface textures informed the development of a tetrapod‑inspired structure with interlocking spikes that can trap trawling nets while creating habitat complexity. Eco‑friendly concrete mixtures using acidic treatments, sodium carbonate sealing, and natural fibers reduce pH, prevent leaching, and improve strength. Hard‑mold casting was used to produce detailed prototypes, which are coated with red substrate to enhance microfouling and support early coral and algae colonization. The final design offers a scalable, low‑cost way to deter illegal trawling and restore biodiversity in damaged reef zones.

Alessandro Pizzo is the Career and Technical Education teacher for the Academy for Biotechnology, where he designs and teaches interdisciplinary coursework that integrates applied biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and bioethics. His curriculum is built around the integration of the engineering design process and the scientific method, guiding students through problem identification, background research, prototyping, testing, iteration, and effective communication. His students examine how biological and technological approaches can be intentionally designed to address real-world challenges related to human health, agricultural systems, green energy, and environmental resilience. Through long-term, interdisciplinary projects and authentic design challenges, he guides students in translating scientific research and ideas into testable design proposals and prototypes with clear impact.

Ruben Rosado holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Rutgers University and is the Lead Teacher of the Design Academy at MCST. His work as an educator is grounded in project-based learning that blends creative inquiry with technical discipline. Since 2018, he has led the development of a curriculum centered on collaborative problem-solving, encouraging students to see design as a means of engaging with complex real-world systems. Alongside his teaching practice, Mr. Rosado works as a freelance artist, experience that shapes his mentorship of students exploring the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and digital tools. He places strong emphasis on process, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. An advocate for interdisciplinary and community-engaged work, he has spearheaded large-scale collaborations with organizations such as the Denville Beautification Committee and Walls That Inspire. His leadership in education was recognized when he was named Morris Tech Teacher of the Year for 2022–2023.