Projects integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are essential to interdisciplinary research. This study presents a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) methodology with the primary objective of designing, constructing, and validating a functional cannabinoid extraction device. To inform the device’s drying parameters, the dehydration kinetics of female hemp buds or flowering buds (FHB) were first analyzed using infrared drying at 100 °C for different durations. The plants were cultivated and harvested in accordance with good agricultural practices using Dinamed CBD Autoflowering seeds. The FHB were harvested and prepared by manually separating them from the stems and leaves. Six 5 g samples were prepared, each with a slab geometry of varying surface area and thickness. Two of these samples were ground: one into a fine powder and the other into a coarse powder. Mathematical fits were obtained for each resulting curve using either an exponential decay model or the logarithmic equation $y\left(t\right)=A\left(e^{-kt}\right)+y_0$ calculate the equilibrium moisture (m_E). The Moisture Rate (MR) was calculated, and by modelling with the logarithmic equation, the constant k and the effective diffusivity (Deff) were determined with the analytical solution of Fick’s second law. The Deff values (ranging from 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁵) were higher than previously reported. The coarsely ground powder sample yielded the highest k and Deff values and was selected for oil extraction. The device was then designed using Quality Function Deployment (QFD), specifically the House of Quality (HoQ) matrix, to systematically translate user requirements into technical specifications. A 200 g sample of coarsely ground, dehydrated FHB was prepared for ethanol extraction. Chemical results obtained by Liquid Chromatography coupled with Photodiode Array Detection (LC-PDA) revealed the presence of THC, CBN, CBC, and CBG. The extraction device design was validated using previous results showing the presence of CBD and CBDA. The constructed device successfully extracted cannabinoids, including Δ9-THC, CBG, CBC, and CBN, from coarsely ground FHB, validating the integrated STEM approach. This work demonstrates a practical framework for developing accessible agro-technical devices through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Solid waste management (SWM) is a major global challenge for environmental sustainability and public health. This study analyzed SWM perceptions and practices before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Playa Boca Chica, Tecpan de Galeana, Guerrero, Mexico, using a descriptive and quantitative approach. Data was collected from 60 households between September and October 2022 and analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 26; reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha; and the generation-associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using the SWM-GHG climate calculator. This study explored socio-environmental dynamics in informal coastal settlements through a case study in the Global South. The results showed that waste generation remained stable during the pandemic (3.25 kg/day; p = 0.116), suggesting a pattern of behavioral rigidity in which entrenched waste management practices persisted despite the global health crisis, likely due to the absence of structural environmental interventions and policy-driven behavioral incentives. The climate calculator estimated GHG emissions of 92 and 99 tons of CO₂-eq/year before and during the pandemic, respectively. Residents highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, recycling, and composting, while 97% emphasized environmental education and waste separation. The absence of a local waste management policy contributes to persistent emissions, underscoring the need for integrated and sustainable SWM strategies.