My research presents a step towards designing field-deployable, low-cost biosensor based on Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP-PCR) technology for detecting heavy metal contamination in the Gowanus Canal Superfund site.

I address the gap between laboratory-based analytical methods and tools accessible to citizen scientists through a multi-disciplinary approach combining bioinformatics, laboratory validation, and user-centered design. Metagenomic analysis identified conserved genetic regions associated with heavy metal metabolism, which were used to design and validate primer sets through in silico and in vivo PCR. Laboratory validation confirmed successful detection of one of the genes, which is associated with Cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistance protein. Qualitative research with the Gowanus Dredgers community informed design requirements for a prototype.

This biosensor aims to enable in the future on-site detection of genetic markers associated with heavy metal presence, supporting community-based environmental monitoring and advocacy with minimal technical expertise, as well as without costly equipment.