Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) provides UMD students of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience with the opportunity to engage in scaffolded, multidisciplinary team-based projects.
VIP Team Information
VIP Team
Biosensors
VIP Faculty Mentors:
Dr. Catherine Spirito
Office of Undergraduate Research
Meeting Location, Day & Time:
HJ Patterson Rm 3142, Mondays, 3:00pm-4:30pm.
Description:
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
Methods:
Biosensor design approaches
Design of point-of-care diagnostics and field-ready sensors
Data analysis and visualization
Molecular biology lab techniques
Synthetic biology research
Majors:
This team is open to any student of any major. This VIP is particularly relevant to students from the following majors:
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Bioengineering
Public Health Sciences
Preferred Interests:
No experience, prior knowledge, or coursework is necessary.