See and study how microbes behave in small spaces using Lab-on-a-chip

Microbial habitats are typically invisible to the naked eye due to their small size and the opacity of their environments, such as soil or the human body. In Dr. Lee’s laboratory, we utilize advanced tools like microfluidics (Lab-on-a-chip), confocal laser scanning microscopy, and numerical simulations to create artificial environments that mimic real systems (e.g., soil, organs, water treatment filters) and observe how microbes respond to fluid flow. This methodology allows us to directly visualize microbial processes occurring at the microscale—phenomena that would otherwise be impossible to observe.

Our goal is to enhance the fundamental understanding of how biofilms colonize different flow environments. Additionally, we aim to translate these insights into practical applications by developing innovative biotechnologies, such as bioremediation techniques and anti-biofilm technologies, which can be demonstrated at larger or real-world scales. 
Name of research group, project, or lab
Biofluids Lab
Why participate in this opportunity?

This research project provides students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques, including micro/nano fabrication, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and image processing. It offers a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining microbiology, fluid mechanics, materials science, and chemistry. The powerful visualization capabilities of the microfluidics system allow us to capture direct evidence of microbe-induced phenomena that were previously unobservable with the naked eye.

The tools and techniques you’ll learn from this project have broad applications across various fields, including medical, engineering, agricultural, and environmental sectors. Additionally, the lab-on-a-chip platform and visual data generated from experiments can be used as teaching materials or outreach tools to educate K-12 students and engage with the public.

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Microbiology
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

A successful candidate should be self-motivated and possess strong communication skills. The candidate should demonstrate critical and independent thinking while actively seeking guidance when needed. Professionalism is key, including dedicating time and effort to complete tasks promptly and communicating with the mentor in advance about any changes. Given the cross-disciplinary nature of the project, the student should be open to learning diverse fields such as microbiology, fluid mechanics, coding, photolithography, and image/video processing.

Time commitment
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Ind. Study Credit
Research - Paid, Work-Study Req.
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

Microbial culturing, sterilization, microscopy, nano/microfabrication (photolithograph), image/video processing, fluid mechanics

Project start
9/9/2024
Contact Information:
Mentor
sanghyunlee@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Sang Hyun Lee
Email address of project director or principal investigator
sanghyunlee@umass.edu
1 sp. | 27 appl.
Hours
8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Chemical Engineering (+4)
BiologyBiomedical EngineeringChemical EngineeringCivil EngineeringMicrobiology