A team of physics students - Tommy Andersen, Kiera Christianson, Zach Griebel, and Shane Mettler - recently won the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s People, Prosperity and the Planet Student Design Competition, led by Dr. Lifeng Dong, Malmstrom Endowed Chair, Professor of Physics and Physics Department Chair.
Their project aims to detect lead ions in drinking water using cost-effective bismuth nanoparticles, similar to gold nanoparticles. This award will aid in creating an affordable lead detection method, especially for underserved communities, given bismuth's lower cost compared to gold. Furthermore, the award will facilitate the recruitment of more students for the project.
Dr. Dong and the students will disseminate their findings to communities through platforms like physics seminars, high school camps, and workshops. The award also affords them the opportunity to showcase their results at the prestigious P3 National Sustainable Design Expo in June 2024.
