A Michigan State University (MSU) doctoral student is researching DNA-based gold nanoparticle biosensors to detect swine fever viruses.
Chelsie Boodoo is a doctoral candidate in MSU’s Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) originally from Miami, Fla.
“Our biosensors can be used to rapidly detect bacteria and viruses which can help save lives and improve biosecurity,” Boodoo said in a MSU release. “There are numerous things that you can do with a degree in biosystems and agricultural engineering. You can innovatively save lives and positively impact others.”
Boodoo combined her passion for communication and science to help MSU students learn more about the value of science communication. This led her to founding and co-hosting “The Sci-Files” with Impact 89 FM, a student-run radio station based on MSU’s campus.
“As scientists, we’re usually taught that it’s our data that’s important, but if we can’t communicate that data effectively, we can’t actually reach the public or certain collaborators outside of academia,” Boodoo said in the release. “Usually, people are only encouraged to communicate their science whenever they are up for some award at a conference or if they’re applying for funding. By effectively communicating our science, we’re able to have a much further reach and we’re able to have a much deeper impact.”
Boodoo serves as a coordinator for the Global Alliance for Rapid Diagnostics (GARD), is a student leader with the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Commission on Economic and Community Engagement, and is a pod leader for 500 Women in Science East Lansing. In addition, she is a digital content creator for the MSU Science Festival and founded MSUSciComm, a student-led organization empowering students and young professionals to communicate complex scientific topics.
After graduation, she plans to continue her work with GARD on international biosecurity and societal inequities in the fight against sickness, which would also allow her to use her science communication experience. Someday, she would like to pursue a career in biosecurity in Washington, D.C.
