Prof. Ariel L. Furst from Massachusetts Institute of Technology will present Bio-inspired electrochemical technologies for human and environmental health
Electrochemistry is a versatile method that offers direct access to electron transfer to both drive chemical reactions and detect redox events. Despite its promise, electrochemistry has yet to gain significant traction. We have found that by combining electrochemistry with the inherent activity of biological systems, we can improve upon conventional technologies for human health, sustainability, and clean energy. We have developed inexpensive point-of-use diagnostics based on biochemical activity on an electrode. By combining biomolecular assembly with conventional electrocatalysis, we have also improved the specificity and efficiency of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Additionally, we have engineered bio-derived microbial coatings to enable their delivery to depleted soil. Finally, by combining electroactive microbes with engineered enzymes, we have developed a platform to degrade and electrochemically detect environmental contaminants. Through these technologies, we have consistently found that the combination of chemistry and biomolecular engineering affords advantages beyond the capabilities of either technology alone.
Ariel L. Furst is the Paul M. Cook Career Development Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT. Her lab combines biological, chemical, and materials engineering to solve challenges in human health and environmental sustainability. The Furst Lab develops technologies for implementation in low-resource settings to ensure equitable access to resources. By engineering microbes as catalysts and sensors, her group can degrade harmful environmental contaminants, monitor water and soil quality, and treat disease. She is a 2023 NIH New Innovator, a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, a 2023 Marion Milligan Mason Awardee, and a 2022 Army Research Office Early Career Awardee. She is also the recipient of the 2022 MIT Undergraduate Mentoring award and has mentored over 40 undergraduates at MIT to-date. She passionate about STEM outreach and increasing participation of underrepresented groups in engineering.
Friday, Jan 12, 2024
3:30 PM
Science Center 160, Potsdam Campus
Zoom Information: Link
Meeting ID: 950 1099 7564
Passcode: chemistry