Keondra Rustan is a second-year Doctoral Candidate in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Washington. She has a focus on serving underserved populations, those with trauma and substance use disorders. Keondra hopes to improve accessibility of care and education in those communities.
A native of Virginia, she started her education in nursing there and then became a registered nurse with a background in cardiac medicine, critical care, trauma, and emergency medicine. As a practicing registered nurse, she took on various leadership roles: leading educational practices, running mock codes, working with the infection control department on research, precepting students, precepting new nurse graduates, and serving as charge nurse. She then went on to become a nurse manager, a clinical educator, a simulation educator, and then a program director. Throughout this time, she would go on to earn her Master’s in Nursing education and then her Ph.D. in Nursing Education. She earned her certification as a certified nurse educator and certified healthcare simulation educator in 2018, and then she earned her certification in trauma nursing care in 2022.
In January 2020, she came to the University of Washington to serve as Assistant Director of the Simulation Center for the School of Nursing. During this time, she was awarded the Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award in June 2021 and the Dr. C. June Strickland Distinguished Diversity & Transcultural Nursing Advocate Award in 2022. In 2022, Keondra won the Lois Spratlen Price Foundation Scholarship and was the keynote speaker for the 2023 Scholarship celebration. She helped to transition simulation and skills training into an online environment and helped to run COVID-19 vaccination training so that students and staff could vaccinate those who needed it.
Keondra entered the University of Washington Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP Program in the Autumn of 2022 and stepped down from her role as Assistant Director. She served as a Teaching Assistant for the Simulation Center for one year and later served as a clinical teaching assistant. She serves as a resource and a source of support for her peers and continues to mentor undergraduate and potential nursing students.
Beyond campus, Keondra is actively involved in the community serving as President of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization, being a member of the National Council of Negro Women, and also being a member and presenter for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, INACSL, and the NLN.
Confirmed by the Senate on
Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
A new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) project aims to build on and test technologies developed in ME Professor Jonathan Liu’s lab to help surgeons remove tumors more precisely and efficiently.
ME Professor Jonathan Liu will lead a new multi-university project that aims to help surgeons to remove tumors more completely and rapidly during a single procedure.
Almost 2 million new cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, and surgical removal is often the first treatment option for solid tumors. However, it’s difficult for surgeons to identify the surgical margin, which is the edge of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor, during surgery. If cancer remains present at the margin after the procedure, studies show that their long-term outcomes are generally worse. Patients may also need to undergo additional costly and risky treatments, including additional surgeries to remove the residual tumor.
A new multi-university project led by Liu aims to help surgeons to remove cancer tumors more completely and rapidly during a single procedure. The academic-industry partnership, which includes a collaboration with Alpenglow Biosciences Inc., Harvard Medical School and large-scale clinical studies at UW Medicine and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is funded by an up to $21.1 million award from ARPA-H.
Building on the technologies developed in Liu’s lab, the goal is to develop an intraoperative “flatbed scanner,” which would be located in the operating room and used to comprehensively image the margin surfaces of surgical specimens within 15 minutes of their removal. The images will assist surgeons in determining whether the entire tumor was removed, and if not, where they should continue to resect.
I’m excited about the potential to develop and refine a technology to the point where it can potentially be commercialized and have a real-world impact for surgeons and patients with cancer.”— Jonathan Liu, ME Professor
“Developing these technologies, which include imaging hardware and AI analysis methods, and validating them well in the clinic requires a large team of investigators, which is difficult to fund with other funding mechanisms,” Liu says. “ARPA-H provides the vision, resources and funding to make this type of research possible.”
ARPA-H was established in 2022 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve the U.S. government’s ability to accelerate high-potential, high-impact biomedical and health solutions. The funding agency invests in projects that cannot be easily achieved with standard funding mechanisms, with the aim of leveraging research advances for real-world impact, which aligns with Liu’s goals.
“We need to develop and validate our methods within realistic surgical environments in collaboration with a team of clinicians at various sites working on different forms of cancer,” Liu says. “I’m excited about the potential to develop and refine a technology to the point where it can potentially be commercialized and have a real-world impact for surgeons and patients with cancer.”
Developing tech to guide surgeons
Preliminary studies have shown that the open-top light-sheet (OTLS) microscopy technologies developed by Liu’s lab can, in principle, allow for rapid microscopic imaging of fresh tissue surfaces to guide tumor-resection procedures. Unlike the currently used 2D method for assessing the margin, OTLS can provide a 3D view of the margin surfaces, which could lead to more complete tumor resection and better patient outcomes. The non-destructive approach doesn’t require manual tissue preparation and could reduce costs.
However, before it can be useful for surgeons, the technology must be able to image very large specimens at the cellular scale within a short enough time window. These ARPA-H studies are the first time that the 3D imaging and AI technologies developed by Liu’s lab will be tested under realistic surgical conditions. The funding also enables the researchers to improve their technologies with the level of automation, speed and accuracy needed for clinical adoption.
In the media
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Since spatial resolution or magnification trades off severely with imaging speed, the researchers will image the majority of the surgical margin at relatively low resolution and rely on AI algorithms to identify the riskiest “hotspots” to selectively image at higher resolution for accurate diagnosis of residual tumor cells at the margin surfaces. Liu’s team will develop multi-resolution AI analysis methods in collaboration with Faisal Mahmood, associate professor of pathology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School.
The research aims to improve surgical guidance for breast cancer and head and neck cancer. At UW Medicine, studies will focus on breast lumpectomy procedures for clinical validation, led by Dr. Sara Javid, professor of surgery at the UW School of Medicine, and Dr. Suzanne Dintzis, professor in laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW School of Medicine. Surgeons at Vanderbilt, Dr. Eben Rosenthal and Dr. Michael Topf, will lead studies focusing on head and neck surgical specimens. In addition, the project will fund the first research collaboration between Liu and a company he co-founded in 2018, Alpenglow Biosciences Inc. Dr. Nicholas Reder, a clinical instructor at the UW Medicine Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology and CEO of Alpenglow, was formerly a pathology resident at the UW as well as a researcher in Liu’s lab.
These Catholic schools, which are renowned for their excellence in work, subsequently decided to suspend activities for a year, in order to be able to decide how they can better organize themselves to operate. It must be said that the situation leaves neither the parents of students nor the students indifferent.
What if Catholic education did not reverse its decision? While hundreds, if not thousands, of people rely on Catholic schools to provide their children with an education that meets their expectations, this would undoubtedly be a real “scandal,” many people argue.
Anxiety and fear, these are the two feelings that currently haunt most of those who have their children enrolled in Catholic schools. For Kalilou Barry, an urgent solution is needed.
In his opinion, the government must reverse its decision. “This is a very serious problem that requires an urgent solution. Because not only will children be disturbed, but we will see a sudden increase in the unemployment rate ,” he firmly states.
Also questioned on the subject, Aïchata Diallo, a mother, considers this decision inopportune. For her, education is and must remain a priority for Mali. “Catholic schools are schools that cannot be matched in terms of quality. They are serious institutions that deserve all the support of the government, especially since the cost is affordable ,” she adds.
Mariam Camara, a pure product of the Catholic school and a parent of students, echoes the same sentiment. For her, the State must reconsider its decision. If necessary, she urges Catholic education to find an internal solution to avoid any inconvenience.
The young mother is not the only one to express such an idea. Several other parents are proposing that Catholic schools find an arrangement with parents in case the government does not reverse its decision to suspend the subsidy. “We will be ready to accept an increase in tuition fees. Because it is about the future of our children. For this reason, no sacrifice is too much,” they maintain.
It should be noted that so far the government and Catholic institutions have remained entrenched in their position. While waiting for a happy outcome, some institutions are trying to reassure parents as best they can.
Le collectif des propriétaires de parcelles de Safo, Torodo et Tasan de Safo atteintes par la construction de la centrale solaire de Safo attend toujours son dédommagement. L’annonce a été faite à la faveur d’une conférence de presse tenue samedi au Parc national sous l’égide Sidibé Aminata Traoré, présidente du collectif.
Réunis en collectif, les propriétaires des parcelles de Safo, Torodo et Tasan de Safo atteints par la construction de la centrale solaire de Safo réclame son dédommagement. Pour les membres du collectif, il ne s’agit nullement d’être contre la construction de la centrale solaire mais celle-ci doit être faite après leur indemnisation. C’est le principal message qu’ils ont tenu à faire passer à travers des banderoles déployées sur lesquelles on pouvait lire : « Oui à la centrale solaire de Safo, mais nous attendons toujours nos indemnités d’expropriation » ; « Oui à la centrale solaire, mais nos dédommagements d’abord ».
Pour les membres du collectif, l’objectif est d’attirer l’attention des autorités sur les risques de violations graves de leurs droits dans le cadre des travaux de construction des Centrales solaires photovoltaïques de Safo. C’est qu’a indiqué la présidente du collectif Sidibé Aminata Traoré qui est revenue sur les différentes démarches entreprises par les membres du collectif notamment auprès de la direction générale de l’EDM-SA et du ministère des Domaines. En vain.
C’est dans ce contexte que le Conseil des ministres a pris, le 14 août, un projet de décret déclarant la zone de construction d’utilité publique. « Dès le jeudi matin, le 15 août, le ministère de l’Urbanisme qui n’a jamais envoyé une équipe enquêtée sur le terrain a commencé par appeler individuellement les victimes au téléphone au nom de l’EDM pour leur proposer un montant au titre de leur dédommagement » a déploré Aboubacrine Abdourhamane.
« Quand on vous appelle au téléphone, on vous dit, vous êtes concerné par l’expropriation, vient on va vous dire la valeur estimative de votre parcelle. Et dès qu’on vous montre, on vous demande immédiatement de signer. Mais quand vous lisez le document qu’on nous a demandé de signer, tout ce que vous avez investi n’est pas pris en compte. Sur le document qu’on nous a présenté, le m2 est estimé à 4 600 F CFA », raconte-t-il. A l’en croire, le montant proposé pour le dédommagement des victimes (1,380 million de FCFA) est loin de refléter la valeur réelle des parcelles encore moins des investissements réalisés. Dans la mesure où certaines personnes ont réalisé des investissements de plus de dix millions de FCFA sur leurs parcelles.
Les victimes, plus de 400 personnes, ne demandent que leur indemnisation conformément aux textes en vigueur, a pour sa part déclaré Youssouf Kouyaté. C’est pourquoi, le collectif lance un cri de cœur et interpelle le président de la Transition, le Colonel Assimi Goïta, à s’impliquer personnellement dans la gestion de cette affaire afin que les victimes puissent être mises dans leurs droits.
Il faut rappeler que plus de 9 600 lots sont concernés par ce déguerpissement dont plus 400 ménages sont recensés sur une superficie de 200 hectares.
Our distance learning programmes present a great opportunity for your organisation to support staff development and upskill your employees.
At the the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, we provide flexible, self-study, 100% online programmes – ideal for learning alongside full-time employment.
Health in Humanitarian Crises fee discount
LSHTM is offering a 25% discount for any organisations sponsoring four or more staff members to study the Health in Humanitarian Crises by distance learning programme.
This offer is to study an individual module, a postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), a postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or the full master’s degree (MSc), and all four or more people do not have to be studying the same award.
Once you have received your offer of a place on the programme, please contact your organisation and let them know that you wish to be considered for this bursary. They will need to confirm whether they have sufficient numbers of other applicants holding an offer of admissions for this programme to qualify for the group discount.
If they confirm that they have a group available that will qualify for the group discount, please contact us via our enquiry system (select Scholarships and bursaries as the category) and register your interest for the bursary. Please provide the name of your organisation and details of a contact person there who we can ask to provide confirmation of the full group who they will be sponsoring and arrange details of sponsorship payment.
Organisational sponsors
If your organisation has a group of four or more who have an offer to study on the Health in Humanitarian Crises programme and you wish to sponsor them for the group discount bursary, please contact us via our enquiry system (select Scholarships and bursaries as the category). We will need you to provide the names of all those who you wish to sponsor on a signed and authorised letter using your organisation’s letter headed paper. We will then provide you with details of how to arrange payment via invoice of the sponsorship amount.
For more information on how to get the discount and eligibility, please see the Terms and Conditions below.
This one-day conference will explore the complex interactions between climate change and health. Hear from prominent and influential speakers, join discussions on priorities for climate and health at COP29 and beyond, and explore how the health and scientific communities can influence these global negotiations. The diverse programme includes sessions on the health impacts of climate change, as well as solutions that can be implemented to adapt to and mitigate climate change, while improving health worldwide.
The event will showcase the Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health (CCCPH) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) as a pioneer in climate and health, shaping policy and training the next generation of leaders. It will highlight impactful projects from CCCPH, the MRC Units at LSHTM, and other partners, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration.
Celebrating 125 years, LSHTM is committed to creating a more healthy, sustainable and equitable world. In a time of accelerating change and uncertainty, the conference will spotlight LSHTM’s focus on equipping future researchers, managers and leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to take on today’s challenges through our in-person and new online Master‘s programme on climate change and planetary health.
While the event will be aimed primarily at students (current and prospective) and early career researchers, all internal or external audience members are welcome. Of particular interest to students and early career researchers (ECRs), there will be a session focused on careers in planetary health. The conference will also provide a platform for PhD students and ECRs at LSHTM to present their work and ideas on key topics, fostering a community of innovation and leadership in climate and health.
Delegates can join the hybrid, full-day conference either online or in person. There is no charge for attending but you will need to register in advance. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for those who come in person. The main event will also be followed by a drinks and canapes reception.
Join us to discover how evidence-based research informs climate and health policy and action, and learn how LSHTM is working on new approaches to protect our shared health and educate future planetary health leaders.
The upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), according to an announcement made by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mpox is an infectious disease with similar but less severe symptoms to smallpox, including fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, pain and skin lesions. It is transmitted through lesion-to-skin contact, including contact during sexual activity and may be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
The new Clade I virus strain, referred to as Clade 1b, has been identified as having novel mutations and is estimated to have emerged around mid-September 2023. The virus has continued to circulate from human-to-human and more than 15,600 cases of infection have been reported since the beginning of 2024, including 537 deaths.
Reacting to the announcement, Michael Marks, Professor of Medicine at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:
“Declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is used to highlight the critical importance of a response, to provide a mechanism for strategic co-ordination and to potentially unlock certain forms of funding which are only available in response to an ‘emergency’.
“It’s clear that this is the largest outbreak of mpox reported from the region. It’s also the largest of the Clade 1 mpox virus, which has traditionally been associated with a higher case fatality rate than Clade 2, which caused the large global outbreak in 2022.
“It’s generally felt that smallpox vaccination provides some protection against mpox. Smallpox vaccination stopped in DRC around the 1980s, so those who are around 40 years old and over may well have been vaccinated, providing them some protection. Children and younger adults would not have been vaccinated and are therefore at higher risk.
“The best available evidence supports a need for pre-exposure vaccination, where people at risk are vaccinated before they come into contact with a case. There is less strong evidence in support of post-exposure vaccination.
“We need a large supply of vaccine so that we can vaccinate those most at risk – in the current outbreak that might be sex workers, children and adults living in areas with many cases. If we want a long term solution, we need to consider broader vaccination of the entire population in areas where mpox outbreaks occur to avoid the risk of future outbreaks also getting so large.
“We also need to distinguish between known cases and all cases. We know that not all cases are being detected among adults and children. Children are likely at higher risk of getting sick or having a severe illness and it is therefore not implausible that most cases in children get detected but a larger proportion of cases in adults, where symptoms may be more mild, are missed. We can only find out if reported case numbers are truly representative through better surveillance.
“Traditionally, outbreaks are viewed through the lens of global health security. If it isn’t impacting high income countries, even if an outbreak is very bad, there will likely be insufficient funding. If we looked at it through the perspective of health as a human right, we would already be providing vaccines and interventions to mpox-affected countries, not to prevent emergencies but because people deserve a right to healthcare.
“It’s clear current mpox control strategies aren’t working and there is an urgent need for more resources including people, money and vaccines.”
Dorien Braam, Assistant Professor in Social Science at LSHTM and member of the UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), said:
“We don’t currently have enough data at community level to determine exact risks and vulnerabilities for transmission. However, we know that people with existing infections or underlying issues affecting the immune system are more vulnerable. Health inequalities through a lack of access to health services, medication or endemic diseases also make people vulnerable, including children, who constitute a majority of community-transmitted cases in some parts of DRC and Burundi.
“As one of the possible transmission routes is directly from animals to humans, we need to tackle this with a ‘One Health’ approach to monitor potential non-human animal hosts and reservoirs such as rodents and non-human primates. Collaboration across different sectors proved very effective during COVID-19, when veterinary services and laboratories supported surveillance and diagnostics. By engaging and supporting community animal health workers, who are embedded and closely connected in the communities they serve, gaps in surveillance and underreporting can be addressed.
“To be effective, any interventions and public health messaging must be introduced with community engagement firmly built in. More in-depth social science approaches would also address knowledge gaps through assessing contextual risks and vulnerabilities, and developing a more participatory engagement with communities, who can play an important role in surveillance and as first responders, provided they are supported to do so.
“Faced with a global shortage of mpox vaccines, international collaboration is also crucial, to address global health inequalities and promote the fair sharing of limited supplies.”
Electric Bicycle Market Share Report Scope & Analysis offers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the rapidly evolving sector of electric bicycles. This report meticulously outlines the market scope, covering various e-bike types such as pedal-assist, throttle-based, and speed pedelec models. It delves into the specific components driving market growth, including advancements in battery technology, motor efficiency, and frame design. The analysis extends to key market segments based on application, including urban commuting, recreational cycling, and cargo transportation, highlighting how each segment caters to distinct consumer needs and preferences. Additionally, the report examines the impact of recent innovations such as smart connectivity features, integrated GPS, and enhanced safety systems, which are reshaping the consumer experience and driving adoption across different demographics. Furthermore, the report provides an in-depth regional analysis, identifying significant trends and growth drivers across various geographic areas. North America and Europe are highlighted as mature markets with well-established e-bike infrastructure and strong consumer demand, driven by increasing environmental awareness and supportive government policies. Asia-Pacific is noted for its rapid expansion, particularly in China and Japan, where rising urbanization and advancements in technology are fostering substantial growth. Emerging markets in Latin America and Africa are also discussed, with a focus on the potential for e-bike adoption in urban centres and rural areas, driven by economic development and infrastructure improvements. By providing a detailed examination of market dynamics, technological advancements, and regional trends, the report offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the electric bicycle industry and the factors shaping its future growth. Get a Sample PDF of Electric Bicycle Market Share https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/1316 Major Players in Electric Bicycle Market Share are: by Type • Pedal-assisted • Throttle-assisted Pedelecs • Speed Pedelecs • Throttle on Demand • Scooter or motorcycle by Application • City/Urban • Trekking • Cargo By Motor type • Mid • Hub by Drive Mechanism • Hub motor • Mid-drive • Others by Battery Type • Lead acid • Lithium ion (Li-ion) • Others Electric Bicycle Market Share Drives The electric bicycle market is significantly driven by a convergence of technological advancements, increasing environmental consciousness, and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable transportation solutions. Innovations in battery technology, such as longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries and faster charging capabilities, are central to enhancing the appeal and practicality of e-bikes. These technological improvements address common consumer concerns regarding range and charging times, making e-bikes a more viable alternative to traditional bicycles and motor vehicles. Additionally, advancements in electric motor efficiency and integration with smart technology, including GPS and connectivity features, further contribute to the market’s growth by enhancing the overall user experience and providing added convenience and safety. Government policies and urban planning initiatives also play a crucial role in driving the electric bicycle market. Many regions are implementing supportive measures such as subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure investments aimed at promoting the adoption of e-bikes. For example, cities are increasingly incorporating dedicated bike lanes and e-bike-friendly infrastructure to encourage eco-friendly transportation options. The global push towards reducing carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. As urban areas become more congested and environmental regulations tighten, the adoption of electric bicycles is expected to continue rising, driven by both technological innovations and supportive public policies. Regional Analysis In North America, the electric bicycle market is expanding, driven by increasing awareness of
environmental issues and the growing trend towards sustainable transportation. The United States and Canada are seeing rising adoption of e-bikes, particularly in urban areas where they serve as a practical solution for reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthy lifestyles. Key drivers in this region include supportive government policies, such as incentives and rebates for e-bike purchases, and the development of cycling infrastructure like bike lanes and dedicated e-bike parking. The market is bolstered by a growing emphasis on recreational cycling and fitness, as well as a rising number of e-bike sharing programs in major cities. Europe is a leading market for electric bicycles, characterized by strong consumer demand and well-established infrastructure. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France are at the forefront of e-bike adoption due to their advanced cycling infrastructure, favourable regulatory frameworks, and high levels of environmental consciousness. In these countries, e-bikes are commonly used for both commuting and leisure, supported by extensive networks of bike lanes and charging stations. European governments have implemented policies and incentives to promote e-bike use as part of broader sustainability goals, including reducing emissions and improving urban mobility. The market is also driven by the popularity of e-bike sharing schemes and the integration of e-bikes into public transportation systems. Asia-Pacific represents the most rapidly growing region in the electric bicycle market, with significant contributions from China and Japan. China, as the largest market for e-bikes globally, benefits from extensive local manufacturing capabilities and government policies that promote the adoption of electric mobility to combat urban pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels
Join us for a vertical tasting to see the evolution of Ocio where you will get to sample the 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages of Ocio as well as the 20 Barrels Pinot Noir.
Cono Sur is present in seven of the most important wine valleys of Chile, where each Valley’s micro-climate determining factors, such as abundant luminosity, significant daily temperature variation, dry weather during ripening season and fresh Andean irrigation water, contribute to the production of pure and wholesome grapes.
In fact, Cono Sur was born around the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in Chile. We were the first in Chile to produce Premium Pinot Noir, and also the first to export the variety. Producing Pinot Noir has been Cono Sur’s most exciting challenge, and it is the only variety present in all of our ranges.
Since its beginning, Cono Sur has been deeply committed to take care of the environment by developing practices such as natural vineyard management, organic production, ISO certifications, and CO2 emissions balance through our CarbonNeutral® delivery status, always believing that high quality wine production can work hand-in-hand with eco-friendly practices.
This sustainable path has led us to meet the highest standards in terms of social performance, environmental care, transparency and corporate responsibility, granting us the B-Corp certification.
Chief winemaker Matías Ríos will present the masterclass, together with db Editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW. Places are limited so please register your interest to attend as soon as possible.
Proteins offer the promise of regenerative forms of power for devices. Current power sources fail to disassemble, recycle or degrade. We build on research using protein nanowires harvested from Geobacter sulfurreducens to make energy harvesting cells. We are scaling the lab processes to grow these proteins + experiment with new biodevices. Our aim is also to make these protein accessible so we and the biocurious can engage with cutting-edge bioelectronics.
What is the context of this research?
The article “The Mud is Electric” jumpstarted our journey. It highlights how bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens creates proteins that generate electricity.
We want to harness and scale this capacity in a community lab setting, making these proteins accessible to citizen scientists and fostering bioelectronic innovation outside traditional academic environments.
We are crafting a technology that uses widely available materials to birth a new generation of electronics. This approach aligns perfectly with the community biology ethos of democratizing scientific tools and knowledge.
What is the significance of this project?
As the world increasingly adopts electronics, the demand for critical minerals is skyrocketing. This leads to increased mining activities and environmental degradation and e-waste.
Our approach is to re-imagine this paradigm. What if we could cultivate our electronics? We are growing bacteria that naturally produce electrical proteins. This breakthrough serves as a platform technology applicable to both energy production and electronics.
We are experimenting with embedding these protein in algae-based biomaterials to make growable, compostable devices. But we know others will think of other incredible applications too. We want to scale the growing of these proteins so we can share them and empower other to pursue divergent areas of research.
What are the goals of the project?
Short-term goals (grant period):
Optimize protein nanowire production in our community lab setting
Create an open-source toolkit for other community labs to replicate our work
Host workshops and open lab days to engage the local community in our research
Medium-term goals (2 years): We ourselves are developing devices that will be growable and compostable. We aim to enable bio-communities to use these proteins to tinker with their own bio-electronic applications that are non-toxic and renewable. This will foster a network of community labs collaborating on bioelectronics + sharing results.
Long-term vision (20 years): We see people using phones made of compostable materials, right down to the electronics inside, and burying them ritually in the soil at the end of use.
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