Our lab works with a bio-inspired enzyme to harvest calcium from water for use in self-healing construction materials.  This enzyme absorbs calcium in its folded state at neutral pH and releases calcium in its denatured, unfolded state at acidic pH.

Faculty Mentor: Ron Grimm | WPI (Chemistry & Biochemistry)

Teacher Component: Relevant to the research project, teachers will help understand the trapping rate, capacity, and selectivity of the enzyme.  Relevant to pedagogy, we will connect the lessons with aqueous reactions, compounds, and chemical equilibria, as well as big-picture connections to clean water, and sustainable building materials.  In parallel, we will design, test, and start deployment of inquiry-driven labs for middle- or high-school students at the intersection of modern chemistry with engineering and materials science.