Early Season Agricultural Disease Testing

In this project, the learner would have the opportunity to meet with producers and test their fields for disease using our prototype. The learner will be involved in all aspects of the client-company relationship, and will be responsible for conducting the test with scientific rigor based on producer specific conditions. The company will provide mentorship on how to properly work in a laboratory and field environment.

Cell Culturing and Sequencing

The objective of this project is for the learner to isolate a fungal or bacterial pathogen from an infected plant sample (BSL-1). This sample has been provided by one of our curious clients. The learner will then use universal target sequencing (ITS, 16S, CPN60, etc.) on a nanopore to identify the causative pathogen.

Microbiology Testing for The Brewing Industry

The objective for this project will be for the student to test and validate that a newly designed assay for detecting bacteria in yeast cultures is effective, user-friendly, and specific. By the end of the experience, the learner will be required to write a review of the prototype, including what should be improved upon. The learner will also have to provide a report on the test's specificity, and perform a statistical analysis to determine its limit of detection. The prototype and samples will be provided for the learner.

Hardware design for PathoBox

Our company is developing crop disease testing devices for farmers and agronomists. With our prototype development nearing completion, we are looking to optimize the electronic schematics of our device to ensure it is robust and effective in diverse agricultural environments.Students will engage in a detailed and hands-on hardware development process under the mentorship of PathoScan’s scientific lead. Their tasks will include:Learn and analyze PathoScan's hardware schematics for design effectiveness.Convert digital schematics into a physical prototype of the PathoBox device.Conduct testing on the prototype and identify areas for refinement.Present a final report and prototype demonstration to PathoScan founders.