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While pursuing his M.S. in engineering management,Bauknight’s wrote a master’s thesis proposing an ecologicalengineering and invention factory for promoting sustainabledevelopment in the local community. “I spent a lot of timereading and then implementing what I learned,” he says.“Eventually, I started to think about how I could integrate mybusiness and technological education into my gardening – likesetting up webcams to watch my plants grow, using chartsto track my garden progress, and realizing the financialproductivity of my model.”Yildirim Omurtag, Ph.D., P.E., professor of engineeringand science at RMU, was Bauknight’s faculty advisor. “WhenDwayne worked on a research topic during his studies withme, I had no idea that he would implement his ideas lateron in a real-world environment,” says Omurtag. Aftercompleting the M.S. work, Bauknight set out to create anenvironmentally sustainable agricultural productionenterprise. “It is rewarding for us academics to see what ourstudents can do with their original ideas, and also how RobertMorris University may have played a role in stimulating suchinnovative work,” says Omurtag.Bauknight is a self-taught farmer, but he credits RMU formuch of his success at Shared Acres. “If it wasn’t for theeducation RMU provided me,” he says, “I probably wouldn’tbe where I am today. Almost every aspect of my educationis being used here.”Although Shared Acres’ first season had its challenges –issues with irrigation, damaging wind storms – Bauknightwas pleased with the results. “I’ve marked my mistakes andadded to my mitigation plan to overcome them,” he says.“And I’m hopeful for an even better harvest this year.” He’salso planning to expand the farm’s offerings, since he soldall 78 shares and had many more inquires. “I had to starta waiting list,” he says.Around the region, word is definitely starting to spreadabout Shared Acres. In November, it received the InnovativeBusiness of the Year Award from the Pittsburgh AirportArea Chamber of Commerce.I can personally vouch for the success of Shared Acres. Notonly has it reduced the number of trips I’ve had to make tothe supermarket, but it’s also helped my family eat healthier.Plus, it’s introduced me to some wonderful new vegetableslike lemon grass, arugula, and some sort of purple hot pepperthat Bauknight calls a “firecracker.” (WARNING: Don’t eatthe seeds! Take my word for it.)If you’re ever out in Clinton, be sure to pay the Bauknightsa visit. They’d love to see you. You might even getto touch the worm poop.WRITTEN BY VALENTINE J. BRKICH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN COOKELearn more about Shared Acres at www.sharedacres.com