The Whale Achoo is a 4th year capstone project focused on the long-term preservation of endangered whale species. It gives environmentally focused engineering students the ability to apply what they have learned in school while simultaneously supporting whale health and longevity. Our capstone, developed by 4th year undergraduate engineering students, is a collaboration with Gesundheit drone graduate research team at Carleton’s Multi-Domain Laboratory. This design collaboration contributes to Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan’s goal of marine life preservation.

The Whale Achoo project is designed to simulate whale blows to act as a drone test bed for the Gesundheit drone to practice safely collect biological samples from whales’ blows—the excrement ejected as the whale surfaces and exhales. Whale blow, analogous to a human nasal or throat swab, provides critical information about endangered whale populations. The Whale Achoo system will simulate whale blows from a variety of whale species that will enable the Gesundheit to refine its operations safely away from whale populations.

Our cause is the preservation and protection of endangered whale species through scientific innovation. By contributing to Whale Achoo, donors will support the development of technology that enables researchers to gather vital data on whale health with minimal disruption to these majestic creatures. With whale populations threatened by climate change, ship traffic, and environmental hazards, now more than ever, we need to understand their health and reproductive success to craft effective conservation policies. Your support will help us empower marine scientists with new tools for non-invasive health monitoring, giving whales a better chance to thrive in our oceans. Additionally, 4th year engineering students will develop real-world engineering skills through the design and roll-out of Whale Achoo.

The funds will be used to support the development of Whale Achoo, to ensure the successful creation of the whale blow simulation system. This includes covering the costs of essential components such as the onboard electrical system, the floatation and housing set up, and equipment needed for the blow itself. These funds will enable us to test and refine the system quickly to ensure that we get a working prototype the first time. By funding these key areas, donors will help bring this innovative tool to life, enabling us to gather critical data that will contribute to whale conservation efforts.