Improving air sampling tools to collect size fractionated airborne viruses using Biocascade Impactor
Advisor: Dr. Chang-Yu Wu
This project focuses on a new device called the jBioCascade, which helps collect airborne viruses in three size categories from the air for long periods. Unlike older versions of it that lose liquid quickly and reduce virus survival, jBioCascade uses a water injection system to keep the collection fluid stable. We are testing how well this device conserves collection liquid and maintain viability under different humidity levels. The goal is to create a better tool for future research in hospitals, workplaces, or public settings. Students interested in lab work, public health, or environmental monitoring may find this project exciting!
Unraveling the Airborne eDNA Life Cycle.
Advisor: Dr. Chang-Yu Wu
We invite enthusiastic undergraduates to investigate the dynamics of airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) fragmentation. Understanding the life cycle of eDNA is critical, as it's a powerful and non-invasive tool for monitoring ecosystem health. However, accurate interpretation requires grasping how eDNA degrades in the atmosphere. You'll gain hands-on experience using aerosol samplers, assist with fluorescent confocal microscopy, and contribute to the elaboration of fragmentation models. This project offers practical skills in aerosol science, microscopy, and computational modeling, which are crucial for advancing eDNA-based ecological assessments. We seek a motivated student with a strong interest in molecular ecology.
Cellular responses of lung cells cultured at the air-liquid interface to varying deposition patterns of e-liquid aerosol and e-cigarette smoke
Advisor: Dr. Chang-Yu Wu
This project investigates how A549 lung cells cultured at the air-liquid interface (ALI) respond to e-liquid aerosol and e-cigarette smoke under varying deposition patterns. While numerous in vitro studies have examined e-cigarette toxicity on lung cells, they often involve either submerging e-liquids in the culture medium or uniformly exposing cells to e-cigarette smoke at ALI. However, real-world inhalation results in highly localized particle deposition in both the bronchial and alveolar regions, highlighting the need to consider deposition heterogeneity when assessing toxicity. To address this, we will use the Dosimetric Aerosol in Vitro Inhalation Device (DAVID), a first-of-its-kind system, to expose A549 cells to controlled deposition patterns and evaluate cellular responses, including cell viability (MTT assay) and membrane integrity (TEER measurements). Additionally, we will compare the effects of different e-liquids, both with and without nicotine, to assess the role of nicotine content in toxicity.
Investigating Bioaerosol Growth and Collection in a Condensational Growth Tube (CGT)
Advisor: Dr. Chang-Yu Wu
This project focuses on how tiny airborne droplets—such as those found in saliva—grow and are captured in a device called a Condensational Growth Tube (CGT), which is used in advanced bioaerosol samplers like the VIVAS. These devices are important for detecting airborne viruses and pollutants. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, we simulate the airflow, water vapor, and temperature conditions inside the CGT to understand how particles grow when exposed to supersaturated environments. We also examine how the number of particles affects their ability to grow and be collected. Students will learn about aerosol science, modeling in ANSYS Fluent, and how environmental factors influence air sampling efficiency—skills that are highly relevant to sustainability, public health, and climate-related research.
Quantifying the environmental impact of agricultural plastic mulch films burning
Advisor: Dr. Yang Wang
This project studies how burning plastic mulch film, often used on farms to improve crop growth, affects the environment. Many farmers in Florida burn plastic mulch films after harvest due to challenges in waste management. However, the burning process can release pollutants into the air and soil. Our team will simulate this burning in the lab to measure emissions such as smoke particles, gases, and microplastics. We will compare our measurements to environmental standards and suggest cleaner ways to manage this waste. The project combines lab experiments, pollution measurement, and environmental impact assessment to support sustainable farming practices.
Examining the emission of particulate matter generated from Southeast U.S. wetland biomass burning
Advisor: Dr. Yang Wang
This research project investigates air pollutant emissions from wetland biomass burning, with a focus on prescribed fires in South Florida, which has a high burning frequency and burned area in the United States. We will measure particulate matter, especially ultrafine aerosols, using real-time instruments and laboratory combustion setups. The project studies how combustion conditions influence particle properties, such as particle size distribution, chemical composition, and the toxicity of the emission.
Testing portable monitors for air quality surveillance using unmanned aerial vehicles
Advisor: Dr. Yang Wang
The recent influx of air quality sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles offer new methods for continuous and spatiotemporal air quality surveillance at a low cost. In this project, we plan to test recently developed portable air quality monitors for ultrafine particle concentration measurement and filter sampling. We will calibrate the portable instruments using standardized instruments in the laboratory. The tested instruments will be mounted on a tethered balloon (blimp) for air quality monitoring at the University of Miami.
