L.I.F.E

The Lake Integrated Fortified Ecosystem L.I.F.E is a conceptual system designed to detect, balance, neutralize and collect harmful algal blooms in New York’s waters — all while reducing environmental risks and transforming algae into battery components, supporting a smarter, more sustainable circular economy.

The Lake Integrated Fortified Ecosystem (L.I.F.E.) is a conceptual system designed to protect lake health. Using biosensors, L.I.F.E. detects Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), neutralizes the threat, and repurposes the collected biomass into valuable battery components. It functions proactively, much like an antibody, to maintain the lake's ecological balance and create sustainable resources.

Team: Nexus
Design Factory: NYC Design Factory
University: Pace University, New York, NY

Casper, the discreet robot at the heart of the L.I.F.E. system, acts like the lake’s antibody—moving through four key stages: detection, balance, neutralization, and collection of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

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How Might We...

HMW create a sustainable, self-operating system that detects and neutralizes harmful algal blooms before they impact local ecosystems and communities?

By integrating with NASA’s Earth Observation System (EOSDIS) and the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN), L.I.F.E provides on-site data that helps us better understand where harmful algal blooms (HABs) are forming — and why.

L.I.F.E. uses transport tubes to move the collected algae to a nearby processing unit, where the biomass is extracted and transformed into battery components.

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Human-Centered Design MS

I'm a user experience designer whose journey began in digital marketing and evolved into Human-Centered Design. With a foundation in marketing, I bring a unique perspective to my work, blending behavioral insights with design thinking to craft thoughtful, engaging experiences. Driven by a passion for merging strategy with creativity, I strive to create solutions that are both visually compelling and meaningfully functional.

Lalita Wongsakvanich

Human-Centered Design MS

Hello, I’m Shannon, an aspiring product manager driven by the goal of making a lasting impact and fostering meaningful connections in this constantly evolving world. With a foundation in Human-Centered Design, Psychology and Advertising, I excel in understanding user needs, translating insights into user-centered solutions. I bring curiosity, compassion, and a constant drive to learn and grow.

Shannon Li

Human-Centered Design MS

A former business graduate, turned engineer now studying design. Some days, I’m either building awesome web components, reading about global trade or knee deep in user-flows. Most days, I’m trying to explain to my family what I actually do. I genuinely enjoy these areas and plan to use the Human Centered Design skills, attained from Pace University, to bring more experience design to the applications I build.

I come alive when facing challenges I’m passionate about and love working with people. My goal is to keep on building amazing applications that’s empathetic and keeps you coming back.

Mark Goberdhan

Meet the team

Human-Centered Design MS

I am passionate about integrating technology and human-centered design. Building on my computer science background, I work with key emerging technologies including cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, and IoT. My current Human-Centered Design studies at Pace University focus on applying user research and design thinking directly to challenges in social innovation.

My goal is to contribute to technology solutions that actively improve quality of life and foster a more equitable future. I thrive on complex challenges and am eager to collaborate on projects with the potential to make a significant, positive impact.

Anoop Pakki

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