Inaugural remotely operated vehicle expo hosted by Pontchartrain Conservancy

Written By Alicia Vial

NEW ORLEANS — Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting the first-ever Dive into Discovery remotely operated vehicle (ROV) expo at the New Canal Lighthouse July 25 – 28. This family-friendly event will feature six activities each day for all ages ranging from driving ROVs to underwater cameras, as well as one additional activity each day specifically for grades 6 -12.

“We are excited to welcome the community out to the Lighthouse for some fun educational ROV and STEM learning activities,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “Our staff is expertly skilled in building and operating ROVs for the purpose of helping research the water quality of the Pontchartrain Basin. This event allows the public to learn more about what Pontchartrain Conservancy does across the 16 parishes that make up the basin as well as learn how fun science can be!”

Daily Activities (no registration required, available each day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

  • Underwater Cameras: Use remote cameras to observe aquatic life in Lake Pontchartrain

  • Coral Making: Make colorful corals and help us decorate the onsite pool

  • Drive ROVs: Pilot submersible vehicles in the onsite pool and Lake Pontchartrain

  • Hydraulic Arm: Learn how hydraulics work and operate a hydraulic arm

  • Tactile Coding: Use hands-on programming kits to make buttons, keyboards and controllers

  • Circuitry: Build circuits to turn on lights and activate buzzers

Grade 6-12 Activities (registration required, 15 participants per day 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

  • July 25 - Buoyancy: This hands-on workshop introduces the principles of buoyancy and stability, guiding students through the design and construction of PVC frames that keep ROVs buoyant and stable underwater.

  • July 26 - Circuitry: Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts of electricity and circuitry as they design and assemble simple circuits that power and control ROVs.

  • July 27 - Hydraulics: This workshop covers the basics of hydraulics, guiding students through the design and assembly of telescoping and hydraulic arms.

  • July 28 - Programming: This hands-on workshop allows students to learn the basics of Arduino and coding for an underwater environment.

Admission for Dive into Discovery’s daily activities is $10 per person and includes access to the New Canal Lighthouse Museum. Admission for the four additional 6-12 grade classes is $25 per student.

For more information about the event and to sign up, 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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