Microbial Communities in Algal Mats in the Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Project Description The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica is a polar desert that contains many glacial meltwater streams that flow in the summer. Perennial microbial mats composed of cyanobacteria and diatoms are freeze-dried in the winter and begin to grow once there is flow. These microorganisms in these mats are...

Analysis and Classification of Different Cell Phone Radio Signals

Project Description In connection with NTIA/ITS (National Telecommunications and Information Administration/Institute for Telecommunication Sciences) we are collecting LTE and 5G NR cell phone radio signals in the Boulder area and CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) signals in the Denver area. The purpose is to study spectrum usage and to devise...

Assessing the Engineering Culture of Engineering Students

Project Description In this research effort we aim to assess the engineering students’ cultural wealth at three selected institutions (²ÊÃñ±¦µä, James Madison University and Angelo State University) and to understand how engineering students’ personal values relate to beliefs about engineering. Findings from this research will tremendously assist...

3D Tissue Bioprinting

Project Description In this project, you will learn to 3D print unique tissue based biomaterials. You will learn to process tissues to remove the cell contents and leave behind the extracellular matrix (ECM). You will then learn to process the ECM from a variety of tissues (bone, cartilage, muscle, etc.)...

Decellularized Biomaterial Characterization for Bioink Design

Project Description In this project, you will learn to decellularize materials, combine tissues with hydrogel polymers, and create biomaterials that can be used for tissue engineering, tissue culture, or 3D printing. You will learn to process tissues to remove the cell contents and leave behind the extracellular matrix (ECM). You...

Investigating Photoreactive Protein Conjugation to Upconverting Nanoparticles

Project Description In this project you will learn to synthesize and modify upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) for protein conjugation. You will analyze different methods of chemically conjugating photoreactive proteins to the UCNPs. Once conjugated, you will explore the distribution of photoreactive fusion protein-UCNP conjugates in in vitro cell models including tumor...

Air and Soil Quality Inquiry Environmental Monitor Development and Outreach

Project Description Student will work with the Hannigan Lab to develop and refurbish air and soil quality environmental monitors which use low-cost sensors to measure soil and air quality indicators in rural high schools in Colorado. Student will be working with low costs sensors, embedded systems and we based data...

Investigating the Effect of Modulating Cavitation on Silica Nanoparticles

Project Description In this project, you will learn how to synthesize mesoporous silica nanoparticles, hydrophobically modify their surface, and attach phospholipids to the hydrophobic surface. In addition, you will learn how to synthesize Janus phospholipid capped, hydrophobically modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles. After learning to synthesize these particles, you will learn...

Laboratory Investigations of Odor and Chemical Transport by Turbulent Flows

Project Description Prof. Crimaldi runs the Ecological Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, where we use a combination of experimental and numerical approaches to study fluid stirring, mixing, and reactions, and to investigate how organisms have evolved and adapted to opportunities and constraints associated with their physical environment. We have a particular interest...

Quantifying Changes in Soft Tissue Extracellular Matrix Organization

Project Description This project is part of larger studies that aim to understand soft tissue injury susceptibility. In these studies, we quantify the differences in injury mechanics of knee ligaments from multiple mouse model comparisons, including genetically-modified mice and treadmill exercised mice vs. caged controls. These differences in mechanical function...

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