Helen Fawcett

Evaluation of Automated Incubation of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Virus

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
By evaluating the response of incubation of virus in buffer using a syringe pump and varying the flow rate, the researchers will generate incubation rate curves. After mastering the syringe pump, using specially designed automated cartridges, the researchers will utilize the ADEPT controller to attempt to mimic the syringe pump conditions and evaluate performance and diagnostic capability.

LEARNING GOALS
1. Understanding how a virus interacts in liquid
2. Understand how an antibody interacts with a virus
3. Understanding the effect of active flow on virus/antibody interaction in a buffer solution
4. Understand the optics behind the detection system
5. Understand and evaluate automated incubation in a continuous flow environment
6. Understand if a syringe pump’s performance can be mimiced by an automated cartridge with on-board pumping
7. Gather and analyze scientific data comparing two different methodologies with the goal of generating a scientific paper
8. Experience working with a spin out company and some entrepreneurial guidance

Learn more about Professor Fawcett on her faculty page.