Title: Bioengineering Solutions to Removing Microplastics from Soil
Department: Biology
Description: In order for molecular bioengineering to reach its potential of addressing climate change (through the production of bacteria that sequester greenhouse gasses, degrade pollutants, and increase crop yield), engineered organisms must safely and effectively work in the soil. However, a lack of data characterizing the behavior of engineered bacteria in non-optimal environments is preventing these fieldable solutions from actualizing. This project will identify and quantify the genetic and metabolic differences of bioengineered constructs tested in typical laboratory conditions compared to in tubs of soil, specifically focusing on differential growth rate, growth phase, and gene expression. Ascertaining this information will fill a fundamental gap in knowledge and be a foundational advance in the discipline. Additionally, this project will lead to the design and production of a microplastic degradation circuit in bacteria that successfully bioremediates in the soil. This construct will both directly address pollution and serve as a proof-of-concept for the potential of fieldable molecular bioengineering.
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Advisor: Margaret Saha
Each William & Mary Honors Fellowships donation supports the whole Charles Center Honors Fellowships Fund. Donations inspired by specific research projects are distributed by the Charles Center in a way that benefits this project and others. To learn more about Honors Fellowships, please visit our website.