Project Info
Optimizing growth of an emerging model alga, Chromochloris zofingiensis, in waste water for the production of astaxanthin and biofuels
Nanette Boyle
nboyle@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Alga based biofuels and bioproducts are a sustainable source for petroleum replacements. In the Boyle lab, we take advantage of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into useful products. The overall goal of this project is to optimize growth of a green alga in synthetic and natural waste water. The student will be responsible for making several different media formulations, monitoring growth and chlorophyll abundance in these strains over time, performing biomass composition measurements and measuring astaxanthin and lipid production.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Develop carbon sequestration methods.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.06.22.449518
https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00742
Primary Contacts:
Nanette Boyle nboyle@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The ideal student for this project will have a working knowledge of biology and some lab experience (aseptic technique, cell culture) etc. However, this can be overcome by a passion for the subject and a desire to learn these techniques.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
5
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will be trained in scientific communication (how to write and present their work as well as how to read and interpret journal articles). The student will also learn aseptic technique, cell culturing, biomass composition measurements, preparation of media, chlorophyll assays, how to properly use a biochemistry analyzer, and some analytical chemistry (GC/MS)
MENTORING PLAN
The student will be required to attend group meetings every other week and have individual meetings with the graduate student mentor once a week at least and the PI once a month. During these meetings, we will discuss progress on the project, troubleshooting and next steps. The student will also be provided career mentoring and advice about summer internships/projects/research if they should choose to pursue that. Lab techniques will be taught to the student by the graduate student mentor.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Sophomore
Junior
Senior