Project Info

Characterizing change in biomass during diurnal growth of algae

With increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it is important that we develop more sustainable sources of fuels and chemicals. The Boyle lab is currently developing a mathematical model of the metabolism and growth of a green alga, Chromochloris zofingiensis. This algae is capable of accumulating high amounts of lipids and a value added product called astaxanthin, but in order to engineer it to produce more, we need to understand the underlying physiology of the cell.

Elucidate the interdisciplinary nature of the project

This project lies at the interface between biology and engineering; we will use engineering tools to alter the metabolism of the cell. It require knowledge of both disciplines

More Information

metabolism.mines.edu

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126464/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1096717601901879?via%3Dihub

Grand Engineering Challenge: Develop carbon sequestration methods

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The student should have already completed CBEN 201, CBEN 110, CHGN 428

This will provide the student with the basic foundation skills required to understand the project and be successful

Time Commitment

40 hours/month

Skills/Techniques Gained

Aseptic technique, cell culture, biomass characterization (protein, lipid, starch, RNA and DNA), analytical chemistry , data analysis and written and oral reporting.

Mentoring Plan

Students will attend group meeting every week where they will present their progress and plan for the next week. Every semester they are required to formally present their project at group meeting and prepare a written report to summarize their work during the semester. My door is always open to the students in my lab and they are free to stop by to talk about other issues as well. I encourage them to participate in local and regional research conferences and I also develop personalized mentoring plans to help them achieve their goals. I have helped the students in my lab obtain internships, REU positions and full time positions.