Genetic Identification of Toxic Mold
Level - UndergradYour team has been hired by Molds-R-Us, a commercial testing laboratory that specializes in the identification of molds, mildews and fungi that can develop inside buildings following exposure to moisture. This laboratory currently employs classic microbiology testing procedures for this identification: samples are recovered, grown in culture for several days and microscopically identified by an expert. Many of these organisms are relatively harmless to humans, but some produce mycotoxins that can cause serious illness. Accurate identification of the contaminating organism is vital to determining the potential health risk and for selecting the appropriate remediation strategy.
The laboratory’s long-term goal is to design a device capable of being used at the site of the building being tested so that identification and remediation can take place on the same visit by the laboratory’s technicians. Your team has been challenged with the task of developing a concept design for a device capable of rapid identification of such organisms based on its genetic information. Your concept design should include: (1) a sketch of the device which includes an estimate of its dimensions, (2) an explanation of how the device will identify the organism based on its genetic information, and (3) an estimate of the time necessary for the device to make the identification.
The presentation of your solution will take place during the final exam period for this course (i.e. 2:50 ~ 4 pm Monday, December 9, Mason Rm 311). The report must be turned in electronically no later than 5pm on Friday December 13. The report does not need to include a response to the critique received during the presentation.