Panda Express

Curry Public Library, hosted by Oregon Coast STEM, Oregon Sea Grant and Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Center

Updates:

1st Voyage

  • About Us

    As part of our Curry Public Library 2025 Summer Reading Program, the miniboat project was open to interested kids throughout our community- with a focus on students ages 10-18. It was truly a community collaboration, facilitated by library staff and partners from the Oregon Coast STEM Hub. Even a couple little ones stopped by to help out with the sail decoration, writing messages and drawing pictures to put in the cargo hold.

    Intern Finley Lacey leading the boatstorm.
    The sail team working on their animal designs.
    Library Director-Jeremy Skinner following directions from the Tech Team for sensor installation.

    The kids held what they called a “boatstorm” (pictured above) and came up with a handful of names. A bit irreverent and a bit cute, the name “Panda Express” felt like it had something for everyone and was voted upon for our miniboat’s official name.

    We want to thank everyone who stopped by to help or admire the boat! We had assistance from our local middle school science teacher, Mr. Siminson, the grandfather of a crew member, who stepped in to assist with tech, Randy Skinner, local Freeman Marine employees, Ron Dykes who helped assess the Express’s weak spots.

    A special thank you to every parent who made sure their child made it to our weekly meetings and to every library employee who worked around the boat and its supplies all summer. Last, a huge thank you to Jenn and Kama from the Oregon Coast STEM Hub. None of this would have been possible without your help and support.

  • August- October Updates

    August 29th Update:

    Oregon Coast STEM Hub’s August 2025 newsletter featured many “miniboat madness” summer updates, including one of M/B Panda Express!

    “We had fun this summer with Curry Public Library’s summer camp creating the majestic M/B Panda Express (pictured)! Folks of all ages joined us in this collaborative effort and we are currently planning her launch date—hopefully September!”

    September 26th Update:

    M/B Panda Express is on display at Oregon State University (OSU) side by side with the R/V Taani simulator.

    Pictured is Senator Brock Smith doing a great job piloting the R/V Taani out of Yaquina Bay, while attending the Oregon Coast Economic Summit.

    October 18th Update: 

    Express was delivered to UnCruise Adventures to be launched soon (fun fact: Back in 2022, they launched the Butterfly of the Sea which traveled all the way to the Philippines!).

    Stay tuned for more photos and updates soon!