Undergraduate Researcher return to map return to student search
Hometown:
Boise,
ID
US
(Ada County)
School:
Boise State University
Undergraduate student
Biochemistry
Funded by EPSCoR Award:
ICREWS | OIA-2242769
Research Location(s):
Boise State University
COUNTIES: Ada
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT(S): District 18
Research Statement:
With my background in biological and chemical sciences, my interests lie within the biomedical scope and the biological impacts of cold-atmospheric pressure plasma. My goals are to research new biomedical breakthroughs including CAPP treatments on chronic wounds and agricultural crops.
Research Impact:
The application of non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a promising technique for pathogen inactivation via the generation of antimicrobial reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The extent to which RONS production rates contribute to antimicrobial efficacy requires rigorous quantification. This study measured three important RONS: ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric assays. Investigations focused on quantifying RONS produced in both aqueous and gaseous states by a 10x10 (cm) and 2x2.4 (cm) dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) NTP device under controlled conditions, utilizing ambient air and hydrated air gas mixtures. Our findings demonstrated robust RONS production by the devices, suggesting it is suitable for industrial-scale pathogen inactivation. Furthermore, this research establishes a critical link between NTP-derived RONS and antimicrobial effects, supporting the advancement of plasma-based sterilization techniques and devices for global biosecurity.