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.
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.