2025 Internship Project Overview

I was involved in two projects in the Avalos Research Group. The first project consisted of the development of a non-interfering cell growth media to support a high-throughput colorimetric assay for detection of fluoride production, in vivo, from engineered microbial cells breaking down PFAS (“forever chemicals”). We were able to develop a new medium in which our desired microbes could grow well, and the spent medium could be directly checked for colorimetric detection of fluoride without cellular or medium components interfering with the indicator.

As part of the second project, we were able to establish growth curves for extremophilic microbes at different salinities, pH, and concentrations of two metal ions—cobalt and nickel—to observe how these factors concurrently affect growth. This work assists in identifying a candidate microbe to be engineered for biomining of minerals critical for U.S. energy and economy.

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

Avalos Research Group, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University

LOCATION

Princeton, New Jersey

 

Interns

Ashley Jimenez ’28
Major: Chemical and Biological Engineering
"This was my first time working in a lab outside of coursework, so I am very grateful for the insight into the world of research. I learned lab techniques used in a microbiology setting, but I also learned about the ups and downs of the process when experiments did and did not succeed, which made every day in the lab new and interesting. This experience has pushed me to think of more specific goals for future research during my time at Princeton and beyond."

 

José Avalos
Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Bioengineering

Mentors

  • Mansha Seth-Pasricha, Associate Research Scholar, Chemical and Biological Engineering