Date of Award

6-5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026

Departments

Computer Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Christopher Kitts

Second Advisor

Michael Neumann

Third Advisor

Michael Schimpf

Abstract

Our project provides an independent addition to the existing REEF Sensor Network, which has been created by the Santa Clara University Robotics Systems Lab and is planned to be deployed in the Palos Verdes Reef. Our system enables wireless transmission of data from the submerged sensor network to the scientist on land by designing and implementing a submersible winch mechanism to automatically raise and lower a buoy from the ocean floor to the surface, and cellular connectivity to wirelessly transmit collected data from the buoy to shore. After the data is transmitted, the buoy is lowered back to the sea floor to prevent any collisions with boats and undesirable surface condition exposure, as well as reduce the risk of marine life entanglement. Data will be transmitted on a consistent interval, allowing data to be received frequently without the costs of sending a dive team to the sensor network. Our system is able to seamlessly integrate with REEF, operating independently apart from the input of data and power, which will open possibilities of integration with other networks and systems.

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