Pontchartrain Conservancy hosts third annual remotely operated vehicle expo

Written By Alicia Vial

Families are invited to build, drive and learn all about remotely operated vehicles

NEW ORLEANS — Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting its annual Underwater Robotics remotely operated vehicle (ROV) expo at the New Canal Lighthouse July 14 – 18. This family-friendly event will feature six activities each day, designed to inspire curiosity about Lake Pontchartrain and STEM learning.

“Our annual expo gives the public a chance to learn more about what Pontchartrain Conservancy does across the 16 parishes that make up the basin,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “Our expert team is excited to show attendees how fun science can be through interactive ROV demonstrations and hands-on STEM activities.”

Daily Activities(no registration required, available each day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • DASH Robots: Learn the basics of programming and problem-solving by guiding DASH robots through a course and completing challenges. Participants will discover how coding helps robots navigate obstacles and complete tasks.

  • ROV Challenges: Pilot ROVs while taking part in robot soccer and magnet fishing challenges that put driving skills to the test.

  • Underwater Camera Station: Use underwater cameras in the lake to observe aquatic life and get a closer look at what’s happening beneath the water’s surface.‍ ‍

  • Coral Art Project: Create colorful coral-inspired artwork while learning about the importance of coral ecosystems and marine habitats.

  • Snap Circuits & Makey Makey: Build circuits, create interactive projects and explore how electronics, engineering and coding work together.

  • Hydraulic Arm: Discover how hydraulics power machines and operate a hydraulic arm through hands-on challenges.

Admission for the expo’s daily activities is $15 per person and includes access to the New Canal Lighthouse Museum.

For more information about the event, please visit scienceforourcoast.org/events

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About Pontchartrain Conservancy: Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy and Twitter at @OurBasin. 

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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