Boise State researcher builds smart sensors for a healthier planet

How can technology help farmers grow more while using less? That's the question driving Assistant Professor Carol Baumbauer's research in the College of Engineering at Boise State University.

In the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baumbauer and her team are creating innovative, affordable sensors that can detect changes in soil and water, helping farmers fine-tune fertilizer use and scientists track pollutants.

In Idaho, a state home to more than 22,000 farms on 11.5 million acres, Baumbauer's impact on modern agriculture blends expertise from electrical engineering, materials science, manufacturing and environmental science.

"We're excited to have Dr. Baumbauer at Boise State," Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Chair Neal Bangerter said. "Her research is poised to have a positive impact on agricultural operations, benefiting both growers and the environment."

Today's farming already relies heavily on technology. From GPS-guided machinery for precise planting and yield mapping to drones that identify weeds and diseases to advancements in crop breeding genes. Baumbauer's sensors have the potential to further transform modern agriculture.

She envisions her low-cost sensors integrating with existing farm systems, enabling farmers to apply water, fertilizer or pesticides precisely where and when needed, thereby optimizing resource use and improving crop health.

Beyond her impactful research, Baumbauer actively involves student researchers in her work, training a fresh generation of scientists and engineers with practical, hands-on experiences. These opportunities provide an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to research that bridges diverse academic disciplines.

Before joining Boise State, Baumbauer conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, where she specialized in the development of electrochemical soil sensors. There she led a multidisciplinary team in developing low-cost, wireless sensor networks designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Baumbauer earned her Ph.D. and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley in 2022, with her doctoral research focusing on printed biodegradable soil nitrate sensors for precision agriculture. Her academic achievements have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Berkeley Chancellor's Fellowship and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

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