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Growing Future Innovators: Mandy Manna’s High-Tech Revolution at Fox Chase Farm
Mandy Manna (2024 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 8) is making significant strides at Fox Chase Farm. A passionate advocate for integrating agriculture technology into school programming, her innovative approach aims to engage students of all ages and learning levels, providing them with real-world experiences that bridge the gap between the traditional view of agriculture and modern technology. Learn how Mandy’s work is bringing cutting-edge science into all SDP schools.
How do you expose students to Pennsylvania’s largest industry, train them in technologies utilized across a range of careers, and provide access to all SDP students at the same time? Through your local SDP farm! Fox Chase Farm offers a unique blend of on-site educational opportunities through school visits and school-site support. However, Mandy Manna is spearheading efforts to expand access to the farm beyond its physical borders by highlighting how agriculture is at the forefront of STEM.
Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s largest industry, but it’s more than just cows and chickens. Mandy notes that the industry has long been at the forefront of adopting technology, citing the use of precision GPS in tractors more than 35 years ago. “The challenge is keeping everyone up to speed with technological advancements, starting with our students,” she says, noting that, “Fox Chase isn’t about producing mass quantities of future farmers, but sparking interest in various technologies that touch on a huge range of careers by using agriculture as the gateway.”
Fox Chase already offers several paths for student engagement. Schools can visit the farm to observe animals and plants and learn about monitoring health indicators, such as noting weather patterns or using stethoscopes to listen to a rabbit’s heartbeat. Offsite engagement opportunities also exist. Current school partners Crossroads and Law have been tracking and documenting bird activity through student-built birdhouses equipped with web cameras to explore environmental health and engage students in green careers and environmental science. Fox Chase also offers growing systems and small animal labs. These opportunities, however, only mark the beginning of Mandy’s aspirations.
Mandy plans to launch an initiative in the fall of 2025 that will allow students to remotely track and monitor livestock. By using technology similar to fitness trackers, students will be able to observe and analyze the health and behavior of animals on the farm. This remote engagement, which would be available to all SDP students, is designed to provide real-world experiences and make agricultural education accessible to students who cannot visit the farm in person. “The trackers allow us to understand our animals’ behaviors better and perform remote health check-ins, giving us greater insight into their welfare and production analytics through pre-constructed lessons that connect directly to this technology. For example, students could track their favorite cow, monitor her health, and understand her behaviors throughout her gestation period, linking back to various industries. We want to connect this technology and data directly to our science curriculum, making it as relatable as possible for students.”
Mandy credits her drive to make science and data accessible to all SDP students to her Neubauer Fellowship. “One of my key focuses going into the Neubauer Fellowship was data and developing the story around it—specifically, the impact we have on students. There’s a lot of data that we regularly review about our students, even before my Fellowship. The difference in the Fellowship is that you’re surrounded by highly motivated individuals who think differently, which allows for strategic conversations. I know that now I have a network of people that I can call upon for advice, whether I’m stuck on something or considering new ideas. It really cultivates a growth mindset, and I feel incredibly privileged to be part of the program because it has empowered me to go above and beyond in tackling challenges.”
Mandy’s work at Fox Chase Farm is a testament to the transformative power of utilizing agriculture to teach cutting-edge technology. Her initiatives not only enhance the learning experience for students but also prepare them for future careers in rapidly evolving industries. Through her innovative approach, Mandy is paving the way for a new generation of technologically empowered students.