iDC/ UDC Perfecting the Art & Science of Detection
iDC / uDC
Provides Solutions and Early Detection through Innovation and Technology
GALLERY
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald John Mills holds onto Cobra, a COVID-19 detecting dog, before meeting with students Tuesday at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald From left, Maria Edfrancesca Aurelio, Aukai McDaniel and Wairimu Kimiti pet Cobra, a COVID-19 detecting dog, during recess Tuesday at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences.
We are proud to announce that our rock star canine, Cobra, is a finalist in the 2022 Hero Dog Awards. Cobra and Innovative Detection Concepts (iDC) collaborate on an advanced research & training program with Florida International University, serving as proof of concept for research including detection of a highly elusive and deadly pathogen for avocado trees and COVID-19.
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Tamar Elias walks Cobra past face masks on Tuesday to see if she can detect any COVID-19 cases at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences
Cobra, our COVID-19 detection canine, and her team screening masks at a charter school in Hawaii. And providing a presentation to the students on the science of canine detection and animal handling.
Innovative Detection Concepts (iDC) is excited to share our work with three public charter schools in Hawaii on a COVID-19 canine detection project. Our all-star dog, Cobra, and staff are screening student masks for the scent of COVID-19. In addition to help protect students, families, and staff, the project enables students to learn about canine detection, animal handling/training, emotional intelligence/empathy, and molecular biology.
Trained on a method developed in partnership with Florida International University's International Forensic Research Institute, Cobra has demonstrated 95% accuracy. Cobra and Tamar Elias, canine handler, are conducting weekly screenings and demonstrations at the schools.
Students have opportunities to participate in citizen science research on scent detection and some students serve as handler assistants. Demonstrations are available to other venues upon request.
The intent of this project is to:
• Improve student engagement & learning outcomes
• Stimulate expanded use of canine detection for human, animal, & plant disease in Hawaii for prevention & management
• Provide future job development opportunities for local youth, particularly Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders