capstone project ideas for biology

60+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Unlocking Excellence

Post author By admin
October 3, 2023

Discover a range of innovative and challenging capstone project ideas for STEM students.

Hey there, STEM enthusiasts! We get it; you’re not just studying science, technology, engineering, or math – you’re living it.

And now, you’ve reached that thrilling moment in your academic journey: the capstone project. It’s like the grand finale of a spectacular fireworks show, where all your hard-earned knowledge bursts into a brilliant display of real-world application.

But hold on – choosing the right capstone project can feel a bit like picking your superpower for the future. Exciting, right? Well, that’s where we come in.

In this guide, we’re serving up a buffet of capstone project ideas specially crafted for STEM students like you. We’ve got everything from mind-bending tech wizardry to earth-saving eco-innovations.

Whether you’re into building robots that might just take over the world (kidding!) or exploring the mysteries of the human genome, we’ve got you covered.

So, let’s ditch the ordinary, embrace the extraordinary, and find that one project that’s going to make your STEM journey legendary. Ready to dive in? Let’s roll!

Table of Contents

What is Capstone Project Ideas for Stem Students?

Alright, listen up, STEM folks! Capstone projects? They’re like the big, epic finale of your journey through science, tech, engineering, and math. It’s where you get to flex those brain muscles and apply everything you’ve soaked up in the classroom to real-life challenges.

But here’s the kicker: picking the right project? It’s kind of a big deal. This ain’t just any old assignment; it’s your chance to shape your future career path.

So, in this article, we’re not just scratching the surface – we’re diving headfirst into a treasure trove of Capstone Project Ideas, tailor-made for STEM students.

Our mission? To help you find that spark, that “a-ha” moment, that will light up your academic journey. Ready to roll? Let’s do this!

Importance of Capstone Project Ideas for Stem Students

Alright, buckle up because we’re diving into why Capstone Projects are like the secret sauce of STEM education. These projects are a big deal, and here’s why:

Putting Knowledge to Work

You know all that stuff you’ve been learning in your STEM classes? Capstone projects are where you finally get to roll up your sleeves and put that knowledge to practical use. It’s like taking a test, but the real world is your exam paper.

Mixing It Up

STEM isn’t just one thing; it’s a melting pot of science, tech, engineering, and math. Capstone projects are like your chance to be the mad scientist mixing all these disciplines to cook up something amazing. It’s where you see how different fields can work together to solve complex problems.

Unleash Your Inner Genius

Remember those crazy ideas that kept you awake at night? Capstone projects give you the green light to bring those ideas to life. They’re all about innovation and letting your creativity run wild.

Hands-On Learning:

Forget about textbooks and lectures for a moment. Capstone projects are where you get your hands dirty (figuratively, most of the time). You learn by doing, and that’s an experience you can’t put a price on.

Becoming Sherlock Holmes

Investigating, researching, and analyzing data become your superpowers. Capstone projects turn you into a detective, seeking answers and solving mysteries.

Boss-Level Skills

Ever heard of project management and teamwork? Capstone projects are like your crash course in these essential skills. You learn how to work in a team, meet deadlines, and communicate like a pro.

Finding Real-World Problems

Capstone projects aren’t just for grades; they’re about addressing real-world problems. You become a problem-spotter, finding issues in your field that need fixing.

Supercharging Your Resume

Completing a Capstone Project is like having a golden ticket on your resume. Employers love seeing that you’ve tackled a real-world challenge and come out on top.

Changing the Game

Sometimes, your Capstone Project isn’t just a project; it’s a game-changer. You might stumble upon something so cool that it pushes the boundaries of what’s known in your field.

Opening Doors

Collaborating with experts and industry pros isn’t just a possibility; it’s often a reality in Capstone projects. These connections can open doors to your future career.

Making a Real Difference

And here’s the kicker – some Capstone Projects aren’t just about you; they’re about making the world a better place. Whether it’s in healthcare, sustainability, or technology, your project can have a positive impact on society.

Showcasing Your Awesomeness

Completed Capstone Projects are like trophies. They’re proof of what you’re capable of and a source of inspiration for future STEM students.

In a nutshell, Capstone Projects are like the stage where you step into the spotlight and showcase your STEM superpowers.

They prepare you for the real world, fuel innovation, and help move the needle in science and technology. So, get ready to rock your Capstone journey!

Capstone Project Ideas for Stem Students

Have a close look at capstone project ideas for stem students:-

Engineering and Technology

Solar-Powered Gadgets: Design solar-powered phone chargers, backpacks, or outdoor lighting.
Autonomous Robots: Create a robot for search and rescue operations or autonomous delivery.
Smart Home Automation: Develop a home automation system that responds to voice commands.
3D Printing Advancements: Research and improve 3D printing materials and techniques.
Electric Vehicle Prototypes: Design electric bikes, scooters, or small urban electric vehicles.
Aerospace Innovations: Develop drones for agricultural monitoring or low Earth orbit satellites.
Renewable Energy Innovations: Build a small-scale wind turbine or experiment with tidal energy.
Biomedical Breakthroughs: Invent wearable medical devices for remote patient monitoring.
Environmental Conservation Initiatives: Create an app to report and track environmental issues in your community.
Robotics and Automation: Design a robotic system for assisting individuals with disabilities.

Biotechnology and Healthcare

Genetic Engineering: Engineer bacteria for biodegradable plastics production.
Telemedicine Solutions: Create a telemedicine platform for mental health support.
Drug Discovery Algorithms: Develop algorithms to predict potential drug interactions.
Biomedical Imaging Enhancements: Improve MRI or ultrasound imaging technology.
Prosthetic Limb Innovations: Design advanced prosthetic limbs with sensory feedback.
Stem Cell Therapies: Research the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
Precision Medicine Tools: Develop tools for tailoring medical treatments to individual genetics.
Medical Data Privacy Solutions: Create secure systems for handling sensitive medical data.
Healthcare Access Apps: Design apps for improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
Virtual Reality in Healthcare: Develop VR simulations for medical training and therapy.

Environmental Science and Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Building Solutions: Construct green buildings with innovative energy-saving features.
Waste Reduction Initiatives: Implement a smart waste management system in urban areas.
Clean Water Technologies: Invent low-cost water purification systems for rural communities.
Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Develop strategies for reducing carbon emissions in industries.
Urban Green Spaces: Create plans for urban parks and green spaces to combat urban heat islands.
Renewable Energy Storage: Investigate novel methods for storing energy from renewable sources.
Sustainable Agriculture Solutions: Design vertical farming systems for urban food production.
Marine Conservation Innovations: Develop technologies to protect and restore marine ecosystems.
Biodiversity Monitoring Tools: Create apps and devices for monitoring wildlife populations.
Renewable Energy Education: Develop educational programs to raise awareness about renewable energy.

Computer Science and Data Science

AI-Powered Language Translation: Build a language translation tool that uses AI to enhance accuracy.
Machine Learning for Healthcare Diagnostics: Develop ML models for early disease detection.
Cybersecurity Advancements: Create an AI-driven cybersecurity platform for threat detection.
Data Analytics for Social Impact: Analyze data to identify social issues and propose solutions.
Quantum Computing Algorithms: Design quantum algorithms for solving complex computational problems.
Blockchain Applications: Develop blockchain-based systems for secure transactions or voting.
Virtual Reality for Education: Build immersive VR educational experiences for students.
IoT in Smart Cities: Create IoT solutions for improving urban infrastructure and services.
Natural Language Processing Chatbots: Design chatbots that assist with customer service or information retrieval.
Data Visualization for Climate Change: Develop visualizations to communicate climate data effectively.

Space Exploration and Astronomy:

CubeSat Missions: Plan and execute CubeSat missions to study Earth’s atmosphere or space phenomena.
Exoplanet Discovery Tools: Create algorithms and tools for identifying exoplanets.
Astrobiology Research: Investigate extreme environments on Earth as analogs for extraterrestrial life.
Space Tourism Initiatives: Design spacecraft or systems for commercial space travel.
Asteroid Impact Mitigation: Develop strategies for deflecting potentially hazardous asteroids.
Lunar Base Planning: Create blueprints for sustainable lunar bases or habitats.
Satellite-Based Earth Monitoring: Build sensors and instruments for monitoring Earth from orbit.
Space Debris Cleanup Technologies: Engineer systems for removing space debris.
Mars Colony Concepts: Design habitats and infrastructure for future Mars colonies.
Astronomy Outreach Apps: Develop apps for stargazing and astronomy education.

These project ideas offer a wide spectrum of exciting possibilities for STEM students to explore and contribute to their respective fields.

What are the capstone topics for stem?

STEM capstone topics are typically broad and interdisciplinary, and they allow students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their STEM education to solve a real-world problem. Some examples of capstone topics for STEM students include:

Developing a new way to generate renewable energy
Designing a more sustainable transportation system
Creating a new medical device or treatment
Developing a new software application or algorithm
Improving the efficiency of a manufacturing process
Reducing the environmental impact of a product or service
Developing a new educational program to teach STEM concepts
Designing a more accessible and inclusive community
Addressing a social or economic challenge through STEM innovation

What is the Capstone Project for stem students?

Alright, so picture this: the Capstone Project for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students is like the thrilling climax of their academic adventure.

It’s where all that brainpower they’ve been accumulating throughout their STEM journey gets its moment to shine – by taking on actual, real-world problems.

Think of it as the ultimate challenge where they don’t just read about stuff in textbooks; they roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, so to speak. It’s the part where theory meets practice, and things get exciting.

Now, what’s on the menu for these projects? Well, it’s like a buffet of possibilities. STEM students can work solo or team up, and they might find themselves researching, tinkering, designing, or even inventing stuff. All with one goal in mind: making a tangible difference in their chosen STEM field.

But it’s not just about acing an assignment; it’s about preparing for their future careers. These projects teach them how to think critically, collaborate seamlessly, and confront real-world challenges head-on.

It’s not just education; it’s a taste of what awaits them in the dynamic world of STEM.

What is an example of a capstone topic?

Imagine having the power to foresee when a customer might bid farewell to a product or service. That’s customer churn, and it’s a puzzle that businesses need to solve.

Predicting customer churn is like having a crystal ball that helps identify customers at risk of leaving and take proactive steps to keep them on board.

So, what’s the scoop on this capstone project? It’s all about crafting a machine learning model that can predict customer churn based on past data. Businesses can use this model to pinpoint customers who might be on the verge of leaving and then craft personalized strategies to keep them happy.

But hold on, that’s just one flavor of the STEM capstone ice cream parlor. Here’s another tasty one in the realm of mechanical engineering:

Revolutionizing Prosthetic Limbs: Comfort and Functionality Redefined

Prosthetic limbs are like real-life superheroes for people who’ve lost their own limbs. But let’s be honest, there’s always room for improvement. This capstone project is a ticket to the world of designing and building a prosthetic limb that’s not just functional but also super comfortable.

Imagine this: cutting-edge materials, groundbreaking technologies, and innovative designs coming together to create a prosthetic limb that goes beyond expectations.

But hey, the STEM capstone universe is vast, and there are countless other galaxies to explore, such as:

Powering the World with Renewable Energy: Dreaming up new ways to harness renewable energy sources and save the planet.
Eco-Friendly Commutes: Crafting a sustainable transportation system for a greener tomorrow.
Medical Marvels: Inventing groundbreaking medical devices or treatments to enhance healthcare.
Software Wonders: Developing game-changing software or algorithms to simplify our lives.
Manufacturing Efficiency: Streamlining production processes for greater productivity and sustainability.
Environmental Guardians: Reducing the environmental impact of products or services for a cleaner Earth.
STEM Education Revolution: Creating exciting educational programs to make STEM concepts accessible to all.
Inclusive Communities: Designing communities that embrace diversity and accessibility.
Tackling Global Challenges: Using STEM innovation to address complex social and economic issues.

When you’re choosing your capstone topic, remember it’s your chance to shine. Consider what tickles your curiosity, matches your skills, and aligns with your career dreams.

And don’t forget to have a chat with your advisor or mentor for some valuable insights and guidance. Happy capstone adventures!

How do I get ideas for a Capstone Project?

Check out how to get ideas for a capstone project:-

Explore Your Passions

Kickstart your idea quest by diving into your passions and interests. Think about what genuinely fires you up within your field of study. When you’re passionate about a project, it doesn’t feel like work; it feels like a thrilling adventure.

Real-World Challenges

Shift your focus to the real world. What are the burning problems or challenges that industries or communities are facing right now? Your Capstone Project could be the solution they’ve been waiting for.

Course Curiosity

Recall those “Aha!” moments in your classes. Were there topics or concepts that made you sit up and take notice? Delving deeper into one of these could be the start of a captivating project.

Seek Expert Guidance

Don’t be shy about tapping into the wisdom of your professors, advisors, or mentors. They’re like treasure chests of knowledge and can point you in the direction of intriguing project ideas.

Industry Insights

Take a virtual tour of your field’s online spaces. Look at industry blogs, forums , or websites to discover the latest trends, innovations, and hot topics. It’s like eavesdropping on the professionals’ secret conversations.

Team Brainstorming

If you’re up for it, consider teaming up with classmates. Sometimes, two (or more) heads are better than one. Brainstorm together to cook up a project idea that gets everyone excited.

Project Archives

Dive into the past. Check out previous Capstone Projects from your school or program. While you’re there, see if you can add a unique twist to a familiar topic.

Research Opportunities

Sneak a peek at what’s cooking in your department’s research labs or ongoing initiatives. Joining an existing project might be your ticket to becoming a project superstar.

Expert Interviews

Reach out to the experts. Conduct interviews or surveys with professionals in your field. Their insights might just be the inspiration you need.

Personal Stories

Reflect on your own life experiences. Has a personal challenge or journey sparked an idea? Sometimes, the best projects come from personal stories.

Social Good

Think about projects that can make the world a better place. Projects with a positive impact on society or the environment often feel incredibly rewarding.

Futuristic Tech

Explore the cutting-edge stuff. Keep an eye on emerging technologies or innovative approaches. Your project could be the next big thing.

Feasibility Check

While dreaming big is great, make sure your project idea is feasible within the confines of your program’s time, resources, and your own expertise.

Get Creative

Embrace creativity. Dedicate some time to brainstorming sessions. Let your imagination run wild, jotting down all those wild ideas. Later, you can sift through them to find the golden nuggets.

Remember, your Capstone Project should feel like an adventure, not a chore. Take your time, let the ideas simmer, and choose the one that makes your heart race with excitement.

That’s the idea that’s going to propel you to Capstone success. Happy brainstorming!

In wrapping up our exploration of Capstone Project ideas for STEM students, let’s remember that this journey is nothing short of thrilling. It’s a world brimming with opportunities waiting for your genius touch.

As you venture into this territory, keep your passions close at heart. Seek out those real-world challenges that ignite your curiosity and resonate with your values.

Don’t hesitate to lean on the wisdom of your mentors and peers for guidance; they’ve been there and have invaluable insights to share.

Whether you find yourself immersed in renewable energy, pioneering medical breakthroughs, or tackling societal issues head-on with STEM innovation, your Capstone Project is your chance to shine.

It’s your canvas to paint your ideas, your passion, and your creativity. It’s the first chapter in your journey to shaping a brighter future through STEM.

So, embrace the adventure, let your imagination soar, and embark on your Capstone Project journey with confidence. The world is waiting for your innovative solutions, and the possibilities are endless.

Your STEM story is just beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose the right capstone project for me.

Consider your interests, skills, and career goals. Choose a project that excites you and aligns with your future aspirations.

Are there any funding opportunities for Capstone Projects?

Many universities and organizations offer grants and scholarships for STEM projects. Research and apply for funding opportunities early.

Can I collaborate with other students on a Capstone Project?

Collaboration can enhance your project’s scope and creativity. Consult with your advisor and explore team projects.

What should I do if I encounter challenges during my Capstone Project?

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professors, mentors, or online communities. Challenges are opportunities for growth.

How can I make my Capstone Project stand out to potential employers?

Focus on innovation, documentation, and presentation. Showcase your problem-solving skills and the real-world impact of your project.

What’s the importance of networking during my Capstone Project journey?

Networking can open doors to opportunities, mentorship, and industry connections. Attend conferences and engage with professionals in your field.

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Great Biology Capstone Project Ideas + 41 Topics To Easier Your Work

Capstone project in biology: what you need to know.

The biology capstone is an extensive research work you must undertake as a part of your academic course. Its main goal is to integrate skills and knowledge learned in previous courses to solve real-world problems. These skills may include quantitative literacy, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. These aspects of a college education are then applied to a creative activity to solve a problem. Here are some basic features of the capstone project in biology to consider.

It must be chosen by the student in consultation with an advisor.
The course advisor is expected to approve the topic before the student starts working on it.
The work must involve a process of data research and evaluation.
The student must communicate their working approach, rationale, and conclusions.

How to Meet the Biology Capstone Project Requirements

The most basic requirement is that your research must be unique, relevant, and feasible. The capstone project ideas biology chosen must also add value to the field. You can meet all the paper requirements in two main ways.

First, you could take a designated capstone course in biological sciences. These courses are often offered with the requirement that the student must complete a research project. The second option to consider if you want to meet the requirements is working with a faculty mentor. After you have completed the task, the faculty mentor will deliver a final research capstone in biological sciences and a signed copy of your evaluation form.

Parts of a successful work include:

A written report created in the scientific format that contains an intro, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections.
A non-technical summary that communicates your findings less formally.
An oral presentation of the findings delivered in class or a scientific conference.

15 Simple Biology Capstone Project Ideas

Getting the best biology capstone project ideas high school or college may be one of the most critical steps you have ever undertaken. First, working with something exciting saves you a lot of time and stress. Second, a great and relevant idea is half of your success. The rest is the way you will realize this in paper. Luckily, there’s a huge variety of topics, from cloning to human anatomy. Here are some simple options to guide you:

Talk about how environmental pollution influences human health.
Cover the effects of acid rain on plant growth.
Research and emphasize the process of photosynthesis in plants.
Highlight the significance of the immune system in fighting disease.
Explore the effect of various dietary components on human health.
Talk about the processes of human development and reproduction.
Cover the impact of different exercise routines on health and well-being.
Research on the role genetics plays in cancer development.
Explore the procedure of cellular respiration in animals.
The ways different fertilizer types affect plant growth.
Research how DNA influences the development of human traits.
Explore how pesticides affect the environment.
Analyze the role enzymes play in human digestion.
Highlight the relationship between genetics and mental health disorders.
Explore the different types of exercise and ways they shape muscle growth.

Notably, a ‘simple topic’ means it will be easy to handle, which is subjective. If you want to ensure your work on your biology capstone ideas is seamless, choose those that interest you and have enough materials for your research.

14+10 Creative Biology Capstone Project Ideas High School

When it comes to the biology capstone project, most students have advisors who are faculty members in their programs. They are charged with helping students select paper topics and usually listen to students’ wishes. However, when choosing solutions for your project, ensure that your choice is not only a subject of interest. It should also provide impact your field and have academic value. Such biology capstone project ideas can be considered the best. Here are a few topics to handle within your high school course.

The work of hormones in regulating human behavior.
Talk about the process of cell division in plants and animals.
Explore the effects of different soil types on plant growth.
Explore the impact of deforestation on the environment.
Explore the human respiratory system.
Examine the procedure of synthesis of protein in cells.
The impact of pollution on the quality of the air we breathe.
Discuss the replication process of DNA in cells.
How pollution influences the quality of soil.
Explore the role DNA plays in inherited disorders.
The ways of different bacteria types influence plant health.
The role of hormones in regulating appetite.
Explore how viruses affect human health.
Analyze the relationship between exercise and mental health.

12 Interesting Senior Capstone Project Ideas Biology

The best ideas are relevant and interesting. However, they should also meet a wide range of various academic demands. It requires you to focus on reviewing the literature, research, analyzing information, and working with your mentor to solve problems. Here are a few biology capstone project examples of ideas for your senior school work. They all have enough materials to research, including many recent articles in scholarly periodicals.

Study the effects of DNA sequencing and how it can be applied in genetics.
How DNA methylation shapes gene expression.
Examine how different herbicides affect human health.
Examine how DNA influences the development of physical traits.
How different bacteria types shape water quality.
Affection of climate change on plant ecology.
Relationship between stress levels and physical health.
The changes in gene expression after RNA splicing.
The ways different viruses influence animal health.
Explore brain function and development.
The ways genetics affect anxiety disorders.
How DNA repair supports genetic integrity.

Need More Biology Capstone Ideas? Our Experts Are Here to Help!

The goal of the senior biology capstone project is to give students a chance to showcase the skills and knowledge gained during the course in solving a problem. This also increases the course’s value and students’ preparedness for life after school. While the task is essential, some learners struggle to find great solutions and handle work effectively. That’s where our capstone project writing service can help!

If you struggle to find and implement senior capstone project ideas biology, feel free to request our assistance. Our writing service has the best writers working around the clock to ensure you get quality work on time. Our experts are competent and can handle any topic, even narrow-profile ones. So, stop hesitating and entrust your task to us!

You have an opportunity to get your capstone project done week by week by the same writer according to the timeline.

We write your capstone project from the ground up and double-check it with plagiarism detection software.

We assign no general writers to your order. You are guaranteed to work with one of the top-rated PhD/MA experts in your area.

Everything begins with an idea!

Biology Capstone Project Ideas

Completing your college or university course or program is all about how timely and properly you complete all your biology capstone project. If you are the lazy kind that never takes school projects seriously and you’re always late in project completion and submission, you’ll be surprised when you’re forced to redo your program or repeat some of the units.

Whether you’ll graduate or not is dependent on how timely and accurately you complete your capstone project. If you’re taking a course related to biology, your graduation will depend on how timely and efficiently you complete your biology capstone project. Capstone projects require you to address real-life issues using relevant skills or knowledge.

Addressing the wrong biology capstone project idea can delay your graduation or even ruin your career. You’ve to be careful when writing a biology capstone project. The most crucial step to writing a good biology capstone project is to be idealist and intelligent in choosing a topic. It’s smart you first research and understands the biology capstone project you are working on. That way, it will be easy to write a project that will be accepted and approved by the professor.

The biological effects of siring a child with a first cousin
How is pollination affected by the flower color?
The reasons rodents are the primary virus and disease spreading agents
The lessons we can learn from the evolution of fleas and flies
The contributing factors behind the low otter populace
The effect of extended alcohol abuse on humans
The factors behind the frogs’ ability to jump quite high
Does genetics play any role in homosexuality?
How acid rain affects the environment and plant growth?
The biological implication of being a Bipolar
Why is the gestation period in humans different from that of other animals?
How do El Nino rains affect agriculture?
A quick analysis of the 3D Electron Microscopic tomographic reconstruction
The volumetric datasets development process in details
Understanding the human anatomical variation
A quick analysis of the customizable anatomical science education
The relationship between grow anatomy lab and ultrasound
Analysis of plant spacing and the effects of sizing when planting
What are the similarities between thrombotic mutation and thombotic events?
The effect of abortion on the life and the chances of a woman getting pregnant in the future
Some ignored and rarely known causes of cancer
Understanding nanotechnology as well its pros and cons
What may lead to the most common types of phobias?
How organotins and obesity relate?
Determining the right choice of hemoglobin depending on oxygen carriers and the transfusion protocol
How could vaccines lead to infant autism?
How obesity and genetics relate?
A quick look at different phobias and the best ways to treat them
How and why different human anatomical differ?
The most common genes susceptible to obesity
The most common genes susceptible to homosexuality behaviors
A quick look on meningitis and the contributing factors
Is Ebola a biological weapon?

Have top experts do your papers.

Biology Research Projects for High School Students: 20 Ideas To Try This Summer

By János Perczel

Co-founder of Polygence, PhD from MIT

16 minute read

Biology and biomedical research are two of the most popular academic disciplines among high schoolers. If you’re someone who’s interested in those fields and you’re looking for research opportunities this summer, you’ve come to the right place! With the study of biology, not only can you gain a better understanding of the natural world, but your research can have practical applications in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Whether you’re just starting out in your exploration of biology, have taken a biology class in school, or you’re looking to do some advanced research to submit to your state’s science fair, we have level-appropriate ideas for you!

With a variety of topics like cancer treatment, genetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and marine life, we’ve got you covered. Here is a curated list of 20 different research project ideas to get those creative juices flowing. If you’re hungry for more, head over to our comprehensive Project Ideas database here and browse over 2800 more ideas!

Research YOUR fave areas of Biology and Medicine

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in to create a passion project around biology and medicine. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

Human Body Project Ideas

Rate of cognitive decline in different elevations.

Oxygen partial pressure decreases with altitude, challenging blood oxygenation which may affect brain function. If you’ve ever felt some altitude sickness, then this is exactly what’s happening. This is because the atmospheric pressure decreases at higher elevations, leading to a decrease in the partial pressures of the gasses in the air, including oxygen. And of course, oxygen is needed for us to function. What is the effect on brain health/ cognition in sudden increased elevation: say, climbing Mount Everest? Does chronic exposure to high elevations increase the likelihood of dementia? In this project, a meta-analysis of published works examining the effects of altitude on cognition would be conducted.

Idea by mentor Alyssa

Building a Blood Vessel

Use online graphics to illustrate how a blood vessel forms. Blood vessels are structures that carry blood and are responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries. For this project, complete a literature search to understand what is known about blood vessel growth. Then, utilize this information to generate a graphic with no words to demonstrate how the vasculature (network of blood vessels) forms. The goal of this project is to explain science without using text and therefore make it more available to a larger community.

Idea by mentor Natalie

Examining the bacterial profile of various households

As of late, bacterial microbiomes have been a huge and interesting topic in the field of bacteriology as they play an important role in human health. Bacterial microbiomes are communities of bacteria that live on or outside organisms. They’re found in various parts of the human body, and help us to digest food and regulate our immune system. In this project, you will seek to understand how skin microbiomes can differ between different individuals of different households. This project will require making different bacterial media that can be made at home selecting for various microorganisms. If you’re new to preparing bacterial media, check out this resource here!

Idea by mentor Hamilton

Regulation of Circadian Clocks

Sleep is known to be governed by two distinct processes: a circadian clock that aligns sleep and wakefulness to the solar day and the sleep homeostat that encodes for sleep debt as a compensatory mechanism against sleep loss. You’ve most likely heard about circadian rhythm and our body’s internal clock, and circadian regulation of sleep is a fundamental process that allows animals to anticipate sleepiness or wakefulness consistently every day. These mechanisms can be regulated in multiple ways: at the gene, protein, gene, and clock neuronal level. In this project, we will focus on 1) how to efficiently digest primary and review articles to compile and condense information, 2) investigate how circadian clocks are regulated at these different genetic levels, and 3) try to effectively summarize the information we've gathered. We can present this information in a variety of ways, and what the final product looks like is up to you.

Idea by mentor Oscar

The Biology of Aging

Aging is the number one risk factor for a variety of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and loss of hearing/sight. We are only now beginning to truly understand the process of aging and have even started to uncover ways that we could stop, or potentially reverse, the effects of aging. What are the hallmarks/signs of aging? How do researchers study 'aging'? How does human lifespan and aging compare to the rest of the animal kingdom? Is it possible to stop or reverse the effects of aging? What advancements are being made related to this? We could explore these questions or brainstorm others you might have about the biology of aging.

Idea by mentor Emily

Animals, Plants, and Nature Project Ideas

How genetically engineered mosquitoes are reducing rates of vector-borne diseases such as zika.

Many countries are already releasing millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes into the wild every week. These mosquitoes have been modified to reduce their ability to transmit disease-causing pathogens like dengue fever, Zika, and malaria, and are sent into the wild to mate with disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, this is still controversial as some people are concerned about the unintended consequences on the environment. What could be the potential pros and cons for this? The project will mainly focus on doing meta analysis of articles and watching informative videos to understand how/why genetically engineered mosquitoes can be used to reduce rates of different diseases. Students will have the chance to use critical thinking and do in-depth research on genetic engineering techniques, how scientists determine breeding rates and number of insects released, and epidemiology of different bloodborne diseases.

Idea by mentor Vanessa

Efficacy of Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas of ocean or coastal waters that are set aside for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. These areas are established by governments, NGOs, or other organizations, and they can take different forms, from fully protected "no-take" zones to areas with regulated fishing or other activities. Marine protected areas have the potential to guide sustainable resource management and protect biodiversity, but have a host of reasons for why they are not currently effective. Explore reasons for why MPAs may not be effective. Then develop a framework for mapping, modeling, and implementing an effective Marine Protected Area.

Bioinspiration: Do animals hold the answers?

Can the toxins produced by frogs help us fight antibiotic resistant bacteria strains? How can understanding how lizards and newts regrow their limbs help us improve wound treatment? Why do tilapia skins help with burns? Discover the role of animals in the development of modern medicine as well as its potential. Are there any ethical concerns with these developments and findings? If so, what are they and do they matter? Share your findings in a research proposal, article, or presentation.

Idea by mentor Cheyenne

How Climate Change Can Affect Future Distributions of Rare Species

Climate change, such as global warming and longer drought, can threaten the existence of some of the rarest plants on earth. It is important to understand how future suitable habitats will change for these rare species so that we can target our conservation efforts in specific areas. In this project, you will identify a rare species that you like (it can be animals, plants, or fungi!), and gather the data online on its current occurrences. Then you will learn how to perform species distribution modeling to map its current and future suitable habitat areas. To get you started on learning species distribution modeling, check out this Youtube resource here. The changes in the amount or location of future suitable habitats can significantly affect the destiny of a rare species. By doing this project, you will not only learn skills in data analyses but also become the best ambassador for this rare species that you love.

Idea by mentor Yingtong

A Reef’s Best Frenemies

Coral reefs are in global decline. A primary cause of this is "coral bleaching" which results in the white reefs we often see in the news. Coral bleaching is actually the breakdown in the partnership between the coral animal and tiny, symbiotic algae that live within its cells. Corals and algae have a variety of thermal tolerances which are likely decided by genetic and environmental factors. However, despite how important this relationship is, it's currently very poorly understood. This project would review existing literature on the symbiotic partnernship and try to identify factors that predict bleaching and thermal resilience.

Idea by mentor Carly

Dive in to BioMed NOW!

Register to get paired with one of our expert mentors and to get started on exploring your passions today! You have agency in setting up your schedule for this research. Dive in now!

Diseases and Treatments Project Ideas

The understanding of a new and upcoming treatment: immunotherapy.

Immunotherapies have been growing in the past few years as alternative treatments for many types of cancer. These treatments work by boosting the patient's immune system to fight the disease, however it is not always effective. There are many types of immunotherapies with various nuances, but they all work to attack specific cells that are causing the disease. For this project, pick one of a few types of immunotherapy and deeply understand the mechanism of action and what is the current effectiveness against the cancer it treats.

Idea by mentor Hannah

Exploring The Cancer Genome Atlas data

There has been an explosion of publicly available data for cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas was a research program with the purpose of creating a comprehensive catalog of genomic and molecular information about different types of cancer, with the aim of improving our understanding of the disease and developing new treatments. The dataset has been used to identify new cancer subtypes, develop diagnostic tests, and discover potential targets for new cancer therapies. Explore the implications and impact of The Cancer Genome Atlas data, and why it’s become so important.

Idea by mentor Hersh

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Physiological Benefits of Fasting-induced Autophagy

Autophagy, meaning "self-eating", is a cellular process where damaged or unwanted components are disposed. Autophagy has been linked to various diseased pathologies, including cancer and heart disease. Fasting or specific dietary lifestyles may induce levels of autophagy in the human body. In this project, we will perform and systematic review and meta-analysis of fasting or diet-induced autophagy and its benefits on the body. You will gain skills in 1) searching and reviewing primary literature, 2) computational skills for performing data analysis (R language), and 3) writing your scientific findings.

Idea by mentor Jose

The Amyloid Hypothesis: Sifting through the controversy

For many years, scientists have thought that amyloid beta was the protein responsible for a patient developing Alzheimer's Disease symptoms. This "Amyloid Hypothesis" is now being questioned in light of current clinical data. Recently, drugs have been developed that reduce amyloid beta in patients. Surprisingly, the drugs worked in reducing amyloid beta, but it did not result in the slowing of disease pathology. Does this mean that the amyloid hypothesis is incorrect? Is amyloid beta less important in the progression of disease then what we once thought? This research project aims to explore the issues with the amyloid hypothesis and to assess where we stand in our understanding of amyloid beta's contribution to Alzheimer’s.

Idea by mentor Patrick

How do vaccines work?

During the COVID pandemic, vaccines have been all over the news! But how do they actually work? What’s the science behind them? Through this project, you will explore how vaccines work and the history of science behind vaccine development. While the final product of the projectwill be up to you, the ultimate goal of this project is for you to be a true public health advocate for vaccines and to be able to communicate why vaccines are so important in a way that the general public can understand.

Idea by mentor Helen

Sleep Disruption Profiles in Various Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been studied for decades but we are no closer to understanding the mechanisms of the disease. Because of the vast number of researchers studying AD, there are numerous models used to study the disease. All these models have different sleep profiles, phenotypes, disease onsets, sex differences etc. Therefore, in this project we will compile a document based on extensive literature review about the various models there are. We will focus on sleep profiles in these animals with an emphasis on male and female differences. This information is valuable because it is important to know which model is best to use to answer your scientific questions and there is a lot of criticism (by other scientists) that can be brought on by the model chosen so you need to be able to justify your choice. This project will also introduce you to the world of AD research and some of the gaps in knowledge in the field.

Idea by mentor Shenee

Rethinking The Treatment Of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. They are conditions that affect the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord, and examples include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While billions of dollars have been spent trying to find treatments for the disease, very few drugs and therapies have had a meaningful impact on slowing down disease progression. This is often because by the time someone is diagnosed with a disease, it has progressed too far for a treatment to have a substantial effect. Some recent approaches to treatment have turned to looking for early indications of the disease (termed "biomarkers") that can occur before the onset of symptoms. By diagnosing disease and beginning treatment before symptoms arise, these treatments could have a more profound effect in slowing down the progression of disease. Students could review the recent progress being made on identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, and either write a paper or even record a podcast on their findings!

Idea by mentor David

Genetics Project Ideas

Height and genetics: nature or nurture.

How much do your genes determine your height? How much do nutrition and environmental factors play a role? What gene variants are implicated in height differences and what is the role of epigenetics? Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by diet and lifestyle. We will access and analyze an open dataset on twins to estimate the correlation between monozygotic twins (who have the exact same DNA) and height. You will learn to use R to open a dataset, analyze data with statistical methods such the student’s t-test, and display your data as graphs and charts. Finally, you will learn how to make a research presentation on height and genetics, describe the research methods, and present the data in a compelling and thorough way.

Idea by mentor Adeoluwa

The World of Personalized Medicine

Similar to our fingerprints, our genetic code is also unique to each individual person. Our genetic code is what determines our hair color, height, eye color, skin tone...just about everything! For those that develop diseases such as cancer, their genetic code found inside the malignant cells that comprise a tumor may also be unique to them or to certain groups of people with similar mutations (the drivers of disease). So why is it that we treat each person the same way even though the genetic drivers of that disease may be disparate? The world of Personalized Medicine is new and exciting and looks to circumvent this problem. Personalized Medicine (also known as precision medicine) uses the genetic code of a patients disease to guide treatment options that prove to be highly efficacious. Together, lets write a review on a disease of your choice that could benefit from Personalized Medicine based on current literature and research.

Idea by mentor Somer

General Biology Project Ideas

Teach a biology concept two ways: to your fellow students and to the general public.

One of the best ways to learn is to teach. Choose a biological concept that interests you and prepare a lesson and or demo on it. The format should be a video recording of yourself teaching (a la Khan Academy or a Zoom class), but the other details are up to you. Consider incorporating a demonstration (e.g. how can you use items from your kitchen to illustrate properties of mixtures?) or animation (e.g. to illustrate molecular motion). Also consider how you will check that your students understand the concept(s) and/or skill(s) you have taught them. Prepare and record two versions of your lesson: one intended for your peers and one for the general public. How will the versions differ to reflect these different audiences? You will learn what it's like to teach, gain a much greater understanding of your chosen concept(s)/skill(s), and learn how to communicate science to different audiences.

Idea by mentor Alexa

Once you’ve picked a project idea, check out some of our resources to help you progress with your project! Whether you’re stuck on how to cite sources , how to come up with a great thesis statement , or how to showcase your work once it’s finished , we’ve created blog posts to help you out. If you’re interested in doing one of the biology research projects with the help of an amazing mentor at Polygence, apply now ! If you would like some help with coming up with your own idea, book a complimentary consultation call with our admissions team here !

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199+ Best Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students in 2024

Welcome to the grand finale of the academic journey—Capstone Project ideas for STEM students! It’s the moment where textbooks meet real-world magic, and creativity dances with technical brilliance. These projects aren’t just the icing on the educational cake; they’re the dazzling fireworks that showcase everything you’ve learned.

In this exploration of Capstone Project Ideas, get ready for an adventure where STEM meets innovation head-on. It’s not just about acing the subjects; it’s about diving into the exciting pool where science, tech, and creativity collide. So, buckle up for a journey where your ideas take center stage, and you get to leave your mark on the ever-evolving world of STEM! Let’s dive into the possibilities!

Table of Contents

Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students

Check out capstone project ideas for STEM students:-

Engineering

Design a sustainable transportation system.
Create a renewable energy source.
Develop a smart irrigation system.
Design a low-cost prosthetic limb.
Develop a drone for rescue operations.
Design a water filtration system.
Create a smart home automation system.
Develop a wearable health monitoring device.
Design a solar-powered vehicle.
Create a 3D printer for housing construction.

Computer Science

Develop a medical diagnosis algorithm.
Design a cybersecurity system.
Create a mental health tracking app.
Develop a virtual reality education tool.
Design a blockchain-based voting system.
Create a customer service chatbot.
Develop a personalized learning recommendation system.
Design a traffic management system using IoT.
Create a coding education game.
Develop a computer vision system for vehicles.
Design a DNA sequence analysis tool.
Develop a diagnostic tool for diseases.
Create a biodegradable plastic alternative.
Design a genetically modified organism for the environment.
Develop a health biomarker monitoring device.
Design a bio-inspired underwater robot.
Create a microbial fuel cell for electricity.
Develop a targeted drug delivery system.
Design a plant monitoring system using IoT.
Create a biodiversity conservation database.
Develop a green pharmaceutical synthesis method.
Design a nanotechnology water purification system.
Create a biodegradable plastic from agricultural waste.
Develop an air pollutant detection sensor.
Design a renewable energy storage system.
Create a material for carbon capture.
Develop a process for electronic waste recycling.
Design a UV protection sunscreen.
Create a fire-retardant building coating.
Develop a heavy metal removal method for water.
Design a renewable energy harvester.
Develop a quantum computing algorithm.
Create a superconducting material.
Design a space debris removal system.
Develop a gravitational wave detector.
Design a solar-powered desalination system.
Create a magnetic levitation transportation system.
Develop a laser communication system.
Design a high-temperature superconductor.
Create a nanoscale heat transfer device.

Mathematics

Develop a transportation route optimization algorithm.
Design a stock price prediction model.
Create a math teaching game.
Develop a medical research statistical analysis tool.
Design a secure communication cryptography system.
Create a population dynamics simulation.
Develop a climate change prediction model.
Design a data analysis machine learning algorithm.
Create a math puzzle for education.
Develop a disease spread mathematical model.

Environmental Science

Design a sustainable waste management system.
Develop a carbon footprint calculator.
Create a biodiversity monitoring system.
Design a pollution monitoring device.
Develop a sustainable agriculture system.
Design a renewable energy policy proposal.
Create a climate change adaptation strategy.
Develop a wildlife conservation plan.
Design a sustainable water management system.
Create an environmental education program.

Aerospace Engineering

Design a new aircraft propulsion system.
Develop an environmental monitoring satellite.
Create an agricultural crop monitoring drone.
Design a space tourism vehicle.
Develop a small satellite deployment rocket.
Design a high-altitude atmospheric research balloon.
Create a solar-powered aircraft.
Develop a hypersonic aircraft concept.
Design a reusable space launch system.
Create a lunar habitat concept.

Biomedical Engineering

Design a medical imaging device for low-resource areas.
Develop a tactile feedback prosthetic hand.
Create a remote healthcare telemedicine platform.
Design an assistive brain-computer interface.
Develop a targeted cancer therapy drug delivery system.
Design a vital sign monitoring wearable sensor.
Create a stroke patient rehabilitation robot.
Develop a tissue engineering 3D bioprinter.
Design a wound care smart bandage.
Create a phobia virtual reality therapy.
Design a warehouse delivery robot.
Develop a rehabilitation exoskeleton.
Create a disaster response swarm robotics system.
Design an elderly care robotic assistant.
Develop a self-driving car prototype.
Design a marine exploration underwater robot.
Create an agricultural crop spraying drone swarm.
Develop an industrial automation robotic arm.
Design an extreme environment exploration robot.
Create a social interaction humanoid robot.

Electrical Engineering

Design a smart grid energy management system.
Develop a wireless electric vehicle charging system.
Create a renewable energy power electronics device.
Design a home IoT automation system.
Develop an autonomous vehicle radar system.
Design a structural health monitoring sensor network.
Create an athlete wearable technology.
Develop an IoT wireless communication system.
Design a rural area solar-powered lighting system.
Create an energy usage monitoring and control system.

Civil Engineering

Design a green technology sustainable building.
Develop a transportation infrastructure plan.
Create an urban area water management system.
Design a seismic retrofitting solution.
Develop a city waste management plan.
Design a sustainable urban drainage system.
Create a traffic congestion management system.
Develop a disaster resilient housing prototype.
Design a homeless population low-cost housing solution.
Create an urban area noise pollution reduction plan.

Materials Science

Design a lightweight aerospace material.
Develop an automotive composite material.
Create an infrastructure self-healing material.
Design an efficient energy storage material.
Develop a medical implant biocompatible material.
Design a water purification material.
Create a flexible electronics material.
Develop a construction fire-resistant material.
Design a high-temperature application material.
Create a sustainable packaging material.

Agricultural Engineering

Design an automated sustainable farming greenhouse.
Develop a precision agriculture drone system.
Create a soil fertility management system.
Design a hydroponic farming system.
Develop a crop monitoring IoT system.
Design a farm automation system.
Create a water-saving irrigation system.
Develop a pest detection and management system.
Design a post-harvest storage solution.
Create a sustainable aquaculture system.

Industrial Engineering

Design a factory lean manufacturing system.
Develop a logistics optimization algorithm.
Create a production line quality control system.
Design a blockchain-based supply chain management system.
Develop a facility layout optimization tool.
Design a manufacturing plant waste reduction plan.
Create an equipment predictive maintenance system.
Develop a production scheduling system.
Design an RFID inventory management system.
Create a manufacturing sustainability assessment tool.

Mechanical Engineering

Design a renewable energy vehicle.
Develop a wave energy harvesting mechanism.
Create a pipeline inspection robot.
Design a urban wind turbine.
Develop an electronic device cooling system.
Design a waste heat to electricity conversion mechanism.
Create a vehicle fuel efficiency improvement mechanism.
Develop a structure vibration reduction mechanism.
Design an agriculture water efficiency improvement mechanism.
Create a machinery autonomous maintenance mechanism.

Earth Science

Design a volcanic activity monitoring system.
Develop a landslide prediction model.
Create a drought early warning system.
Design a glacier melt monitoring system.
Develop an earthquake risk assessment tool.
Design an ocean acidification monitoring system.
Create a groundwater resource mapping tool.
Develop a forest fire monitoring system.
Design a deforestation tracking system.
Create a climate change impact prediction tool.

Renewable Energy

Design a solar-powered desalination plant.
Develop a wind energy forecasting model.
Create a bioenergy production system.
Design a geothermal power plant.
Develop a tidal energy extraction system.
Design a concentrated solar power system.
Create a hydroelectric power generation system.
Develop a biomass conversion technology.
Design a wave energy converter.
Create an integrated renewable energy management system.

Health and Medicine

Design a blood glucose level monitoring wearable device.
Develop a mental health counseling mobile app.
Create a pain management virtual reality therapy.
Design an early Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic tool.
Develop a genetic analysis-based personalized medicine platform.
Design a stroke patient rehabilitation robotic system.
Create a remote diagnosis telemedicine platform.
Create an elderly health monitoring system.
Design a space observation telescope.
Develop an exoplanet studying satellite.
Create an asteroid impact prediction model.
Design an interstellar travel spacecraft.
Develop a gravitational wave detection system.
Design a lunar exploration rover.
Create a black hole dynamics simulation.
Develop a space-based telescope array.
Design an outer planets study mission.
Create a space weather monitoring system.

These project ideas cover a wide range of STEM fields and can be adapted to different student interests and abilities.

How do I find a capstone project idea?

Crafting a capstone project idea is a pivotal endeavor demanding strategic exploration and thoughtful consideration. Here’s a structured approach to stimulate and refine your concept:

Identify Academic and Personal Affinities

Delve into both your academic and personal spheres to discern areas that resonate profoundly with you. Reflect upon the subjects and themes within your coursework that have left an enduring impact.

Evaluate Academic Trajectory

Conduct a comprehensive review of your academic trajectory. Identify theories, concepts, or skill sets that have garnered your sustained interest, potentially serving as a robust foundation for your capstone endeavor.

Confront Pertinent Real-World Challenges

Engage with the fabric of your discipline or broader societal issues. Discern challenges or unresolved problems that captivate your interest, presenting an opportunity to contribute to feasible solutions through your capstone initiative.

Seek Counsel from Accomplished Advisors and Instructors

Harness the expertise of mentors, advisors, and faculty members. Their seasoned insights, bespoke guidance, and wealth of experience can illuminate potential pathways and refine the scope of your project.

Survey Industry Dynamics and Trends

Immerse yourself in the currents of industry developments. Insights derived from the latest trends can engender innovative project concepts that not only align with the prevailing discourse but also showcase your acute industry acumen.

Facilitate a Rigorous Ideation Session

Allocate dedicated time for brainstorming. Cultivate a reservoir of ideas, fostering an environment where even unconventional notions find resonance. Evaluate each idea vis-à-vis your skills and program objectives.

Champion Collaborative Synergy

Embrace the prospect of collaboration with peers or industry professionals. The amalgamation of collective wisdom and diverse skill sets often begets groundbreaking concepts that transcend individual prowess.

Conduct a Thorough Feasibility Assessment

Scrutinize proposed ideas through the lens of feasibility, accounting for available resources, temporal constraints, and project scope. Ensure that your chosen concept aligns judiciously with the pragmatic parameters of your timeline.

Survey Preceding Capstone Projects

Delve into past capstone works within your program to glean inspiration and circumvent redundancy. This review not only informs your ideation process but also facilitates the identification of unexplored research avenues.

Align Project with Future Trajectory

Contemplate how your capstone project seamlessly aligns with your envisioned career trajectory. This undertaking serves as a platform to exhibit your expertise in an area of profound interest, harmonizing academic prowess with professional aspirations.

Solicit Constructive Critique

Actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, or industry professionals. Valuable insights derived from diverse perspectives can refine your concept, elevating it to a more polished and comprehensive level.

Embrace Iterative Refinement

Embrace the iterative nature of idea refinement. Multiple iterations engender a robust and meticulously crafted capstone project, a testament to your scholarly acumen and meticulous thought.

Designing an exemplary capstone project necessitates the fusion of passion, academic sagacity, and a discerning eye for addressing salient issues in your field. This endeavor serves as a hallmark of your scholarly journey and a strategic stepping stone toward your future aspirations.

What makes a good capstone project?

Check out what makes a good capstone project:-

Relevance and Timeliness

A commendable capstone project embarks upon a subject matter that resonates deeply within the field of study. It should align with contemporary trends, pressing industry demands, or societal intricacies, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the domain’s pulse.

Precise and Attainable Objectives

The project must delineate crystal-clear and achievable objectives. These objectives serve as guiding beacons, shaping the trajectory of research, development, or analysis while ensuring a well-defined pathway toward project culmination.

Rigorous and Methodical Research

A robust capstone project integrates meticulous research methodologies . Be it qualitative or quantitative in nature, the research design should impeccably fit the project’s objectives, accompanied by exhaustive data collection and thorough analysis.

Innovation and Creative Insight

The hallmark of an exceptional capstone endeavor lies in its innovation and creative flair. Whether presenting groundbreaking solutions to prevailing quandaries, leveraging avant-garde technologies, or offering a distinctive viewpoint on established paradigms, originality distinguishes the project’s excellence.

Synthesis of Cumulative Knowledge

The project serves as a testament to the fusion of accumulated knowledge derived from the academic journey. It should seamlessly weave in learned theories, concepts, and proficiencies, showcasing a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.

Pragmatic Implementation

Going beyond theoretical exploration, a stellar capstone project offers pragmatic implications. Whether proposing actionable recommendations, developing prototypes, or executing viable solutions, it should bear tangible relevance in real-world applications.

Articulate and Structured Presentation

The project’s efficacy hinges upon clear and articulate communication. This encompasses a meticulously structured written document, eloquent oral presentation, and potentially supplemented visuals to facilitate comprehensive understanding.

Quantifiable Outcomes

An outstanding capstone project boasts quantifiable outcomes or results. These serve as metrics for evaluating the project’s triumphs and serve as a foundation for future enhancements or iterations.

Mindful Feasibility Assessments

The project conscientiously considers practical constraints such as temporal limitations, resource availability, and scope boundaries. Proposed objectives should align judiciously within the stipulated timeframe and available resources.

Ethical Integrity

Adherence to ethical standards remains paramount throughout the project. Upholding integrity in research practices, reverence for participants’ rights (if applicable), and a steadfast commitment to ethical precepts pertinent to the field underscore the project’s ethical compass.

Continuous Peer and Advisor Engagements

Iterative feedback from peers, advisors, or mentors substantiates the project’s refinement. This ongoing dialogue and constructive critique catalyze the evolution of ideas and elevate the project’s caliber.

Reflective Analysis and Intellectual Insights

A commendable capstone project incorporates reflective analysis, delving into the process, encountered challenges, and imbibed wisdom. This introspective evaluation adds depth, showcasing intellectual maturity in the project’s culmination.

Substantial Impact and Contribution

The ultimate benchmark rests upon the project’s substantive contribution to the field. Whether pioneering new knowledge frontiers, proposing pragmatic solutions, or inspiring future research trajectories, an exceptional capstone project leaves an enduring mark.

Through meticulous integration of these elements, a capstone project transcends being a mere academic pursuit, evolving into a beacon of intellectual acumen, pragmatic application, and seminal contribution within the chosen field of study.

Wrapping things up, these STEM Capstone Project Ideas are like opening a door to a world of science, technology, engineering, and math adventures. They let students dive into what interests them, think hard about things, and actually change stuff.

Whether it’s fixing nature problems, dreaming up new gadgets, or digging into facts, these projects can really shape how science and tech grow, and maybe even make some kids want to do cool stuff in the future!

Biotechnology Senior Capstone Projects

Students in the KU Edwards Campus biotechnology program conduct a senior capstone project that challenges them to apply their technical and research skills gained through their studies. Read below to learn more about the Biotechnology students’ capstone projects.

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Biotech Seniors 2023-2024

Cell Signaling: Is lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment acting as an invisibility cloak for cancer?

Cancer is a devastating genetic disease caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. Approximately one in every three individuals will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Scientists have been hard at work to understand how cancer gains a foothold in its victim’s body and how this can be disrupted or prevented to stop the cancer’s progression. Specifically, a hot topic in cancer research has been how cancer hides from the immune system. Normally, CD8+ T cells patrol the body in search of diseased cells to target and destroy. If CD8+ T cells can clear diseased cells, then how do cancer cells survive and proliferate? Recently, scientists found a possible explanation. Tumors tend to have poor blood supply and consequently have low oxygen supply. Without sufficient oxygen, cancer cells shift their metabolism to anaerobic respiration to keep up with the energy demands of their rapid proliferation. This results in the buildup of the metabolic byproduct lactic acid in the area surrounding the tumor—called the tumor microenvironment—which may act as an invisibility cloak for the cancer cells. The goal of the present study is to assess the effects of high concentrations of lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment on the viability and responsiveness of CD8+ T cells. The findings of this study may provide insights into future approaches to cancer treatment and ultimately lead to better outcomes for cancer patients.

Watch Kaitlyn's presentation

Bridget Ruhme

Recombinant Protein Production: Revolutionizing Textile Dyeing by Exploiting Nature’s Palette of Endogenous Beet Pigments

The textile industry contributes a substantial amount of environmental pollution in the form of synthetic azo dyes. These dyes are long-lived chemicals that are photolytically stable and include some mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Innovative alternatives to these synthetic dyes could minimize the negative ecological impact of the textile industry. Dyes may also contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, which are used as catalysts in their synthesis but are hazardous when concentrated or in close contact with the skin. This research project is focused on developing a bioengineered strain of yeast that can be used to manufacture biosynthetic red and yellow pigments derived from genes extracted from beetroot. These biosynthetic dyes will be purified, and their fabric-staining properties will be characterized. This research will serve as a proof-of-concept study that could lay the foundation for a future where fashionable clothing and environmental responsibility seamlessly coexist.

View Bridget's presentation

Olive Njoroge

Cell Biology: Modeling Keloid-Prone Fibroblasts for Therapeutic Exploration

Wound healing is a process our bodies undergo to prevent infection and rebuild the skin’s barrier defenses. Scar formation is typically dependent upon the severity and complexity of an injury; however some people are prone to keloid scar formation. Keloids are a type of abnormal scar tissue that grows outside of the boundary of the original wound. In the wound healing process, fibroblasts are responsible for secreting collagen to rebuild the skin and fill in where it was disrupted. In keloid formation, fibroblasts produce excess collagen, leading to the appearance of a raised, overgrown scar. Collagen type I is a protein encoded by COL1A1, one of the main components of keloids. Modulating COL1A1 expression by fibroblasts could serve as a model for wound healing in which the over-abundance of collagen could be interrogated in isolation. This model could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying keloid development and lead to a model for therapeutic targeting of collagen.

View Olive's presentation

Biotech Seniors 2022-2023

Cinthia Moncada

Can Ginseng Help Fight Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a global health concern. In the United States, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Although treatments exist, many are associated with harmful side effects, resulting in a persisting need for novel, less toxic treatments. One such prospect is ginseng, which literature suggests has anticancer properties and may upregulate the tumor suppressor protein, p53. This protein regulates the expression of other genes, some of which arrest cell cycle. Specifically, p53 induces p21, which is a cyclin/CDK inhibitor without which, cells cannot progress through the cell cycle. My research seeks to assess the anticancer effects of ginseng on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell. Several questions will be explored, including what concentration of ginseng can be used on MCF-7 cells without toxicity, whether/how ginseng influences the expression of p53 and p21, and if cell cycle arrest occurs following treatment with ginseng. Cytotoxicity will be determined by an MTT assay, while RT-PCR will be used to determine mRNA production to examine the regulation of p53 and p21 genes. Lastly, flow cytometry will be used to determine if and when cell cycle arrest results from ginseng treatment. Altogether, this research explores whether ginseng may be an adjunctive or alternative treatment for breast cancer.

View Cinthia's presentation

Ambreen Niaman

Analysis of Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Effect of Chlorogenic Acid, a Component in Coffee

The coffee plant was discovered in Ethiopia by a goat herder named “Kalidi” around 850 AD. He observed increased physical activity in goats after they consumed the beans of the plant. Since that time, coffee has become an everyday staple of life around the globe. While caffeine is responsible for much of the effects of coffee, chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic compound in coffee, is an ester of quinic acid and caffeic acid believed to have antioxidant properties. One benefit of antioxidants is their ability to block mutations in healthy cells caused by free radical attacks. In this project, several questions will be explored regarding CGA, including what concentration of CGA is in commercially available coffee, whether CGA does exhibit antioxidant properties, and if it can block DNA mutation in bacteria. CGA will be quantified by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The antioxidant activity of chlorogenic acid will be characterized in vitro by its ability to neutralize free radicals in a colorimetric assay and an Ames test will be used to measure its potential to block mutation in bacteria caused by a known mutagen. Overall, the results of this research project will contribute to our understanding of CGA as an antioxidant and its potential use as an antimutagen therapeutic.

View Ambreen's presentation

Hazel Hernandez

Can Beta-Blockers be Used as an Alternative Treatment for Cancer?

Our body goes through a process in which cells grow and multiply as needed. When a cell becomes old or damaged, the cell dies and is replaced by a new cell. When this process is disrupted, abnormal or damaged cells can multiply into tumors. Catecholamines like norepinephrine and epinephrine are known to increase the proliferation of cancer cells. These molecules act as neurotransmitters and hormones in charge of the fight or flight by binding to beta(-adrenergic) receptors in our body's various cell types, including cancer cells. Beta-blockers are medications generally used to reduce blood pressure by binding to beta-receptors. This project aims to explore beta-blockers as a possible treatment for cancer using MCF-7 breast cancer cells as a model. MCF-7 cells will be grown in culture and treated with epinephrine. A cell growth assay will determine what epinephrine concentrations may increase the proliferation of cancer cells. A similar assay will then be used to assess the capacity for beta-blockers to interrupt normal or catecholamine-induced cell growth. Overall, the results of this research project will contribute to our understanding of neuroimmune crosstalk in cancer and the potential use of beta-blockers as anticancer therapeutics.

View Hazel's presentation

Analyzing Jurkat T Cell Proliferation in an Adenosine-rich Microenvironment

The immune system is most commonly thought of for its role in protecting the body from invading microbes, however, it is also critical for preventing cancer. Specifically, lymphocytes such as NK and T Cells are required for this function.

Adenosine is a widely known byproduct of energy consumption by the body's cells. Extracellular adenosine is formed as a result of the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) by the transmembrane proteins, CD39 and CD73, which are broadly expressed on immune and tumor cells. Additionally, immune cells have been shown to express G-protein-coupled adenosine receptors (AR) such as the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR) found on T cells. These receptors have been suggested to impart immunosuppressive signaling to the T cells, which protects inflamed tissues from excessive damage by these cells. Interestingly, ATP is often released from dying tumor cells into the microenvironment around the tumor as a result of the attack of T cells.

In order for T cells to keep up with growing tumors, they must proliferate multiple times during an immune reaction to increase their number. However, the more tumor cells they kill, the more ATP accumulates in the tumor microenvironment, leading to adenosine production by the CD39 and CD73. The effect this excessive adenosine accumulation in the tumor microenvironment has on T cell proliferation is not well known. To examine the qualitative change in T cells in the presence of adenosine, Jurkat T cells will be used as a model cell line to evaluate the proliferation, viability, and survival of T cells that are susceptible to A2AR agonists. Understanding the immune responses of T cells when exposed to an adenosine-rich microenvironment could be an important breakthrough in discovering potential therapeutic targets in oncology regarding A2AR as a receptor of interest for new drug development.

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How IL-37, a Regulator of Immunity, is Regulated

Inflammation is a common, normal immune response exhibited by the body to protect against pathogens, chemicals, and other hazards. This response is characterized by heat, redness, swelling, loss of function, and/or pain in the affected area. Chronic inflammation occurs when these symptoms persist. Rarely does a person live their entire life without experiencing inflammation and less often do our pets. As much as thirty percent of Americans will be diagnosed as obese or overweight in their lifetimes, however as much as fifty percent of all dogs will be diagnosed as obese or overweight, putting them at a greater risk of developing a chronic inflammatory condition. While there are many ways for treating inflammation, there is still much that we do not understand in terms of the mechanisms behind how our bodies manage inflammation. A recently discovered protein, IL-37, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties suggesting that it may regulate this condition. This research project aims to characterize the expression of IL-37 in DH82 cells under various inflammatory and anti-inflammatory conditions. The concentrations of extracellular IL-37 (in cell culture media) and intracellular protein (from cell lysates) will be measured via ELISA. Additionally, RT-PCR will be performed to assess the production of new material by the cell. These results will provide much needed information related to the mechanisms behind the regulated expression of IL-37.

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Guenaele Raphael

Can the Optimization of Cell Culture Media Increase the Production of Recombinant Proteins in the Baculovirus/Expression System?

The baculovirus expression system (BEVS) has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical and biotechnological research and has served as a tool to produce several human therapeutics such as Cervavix ® (preventative vaccine against the Human Papilloma Virus), Flublok ® (preventative vaccine against seasonal influenza virus) and Glybera ® (gene therapy treatment for lipoprotein lipase deficiency). This protein expression platform offers many advantages including flexibility in product design, high levels of protein expression and post-translational modifications, as well as scalability in manufacturing. Despite these advantages, the use of BEVS to produce recombinant proteins remains costly and time-consuming. Therefore, efficient and robust methods to improve the production processes of recombinant proteins in this expression system are necessary to respond to large-scale manufacturing needs. There is emerging evidence that baculovirus infections induce apoptosis of insect cells leading to lower protein yields. Previous research has also demonstrated that the optimization of cell culture parameters, media components, and feed strategies aid in obtaining high-density cultures resulting in higher yields of recombinant proteins in this system. This research project will examine the effects of two macromolecules (glucose, and glutathione) as potential cell culture media additives to increase the yield of recombinant proteins in the baculovirus/insect cell expression system. Protein production will be analyzed via ELISA and/or Western Blot. This project will also develop a rapid fluorescence assay via GFP as a surrogate for the detection of target proteins.

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Marissa Gaffen

Natural Antioxidant-Rich Foods Stabilizers of Forensic DNA Samples

Wherever there are people, there is crime. Violent crime, particularly, leaves inexorable marks on society. Yet there are thousands of cases that remain unsolved. Most of these cold cases persist because of the lack of DNA evidence. At a crime scene, DNA is exposed to a variety of destabilizing conditions. A primary, ubiquitous destabilizer is sunlight. This occurs because UV radiation creates free radicals capable of oxidizing DNA. Once oxidized, the covalent bonds of DNA may be disrupted and thymine dimers may form, both of which make it unsuitable for use as evidence. Mint is abundant, cheap, and contains a high concentration of antioxidants which could potentially be used to prevent DNA damage from oxidation. STR Analysis, a technique used in forensics labs to match DNA to specific individuals, will be used to assess the amount of 'usable' DNA in samples. These samples will be exposed to a variety of conditions that mimic real-life crime scenes to assess the deterioration of DNA over time. Samples with or without added antioxidant preparations will be compared to determine whether these preparations are sufficiently protective to overcome destabilizing conditions. The potential of stabilizing preparations to increase the halflife of DNA could have profoundly positive effects on forensic analysis.

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Camron Haas

The Biochemistry of Breweries: Targeting Biochemical Pathways to Prevent Beer Spoilage

Beer has been brewed for well over 4,000 years and humans have been perfecting the process all along the way. One problem that brewers still face is the development of off-flavors. Off-flavors are any specific flavor that does not fit with a particular style of beer. One common off-flavor that develops is a buttery taste. The cause of that off-flavor is a molecule called Diacetyl. Diacetyl is produced by yeast, but it enters the beer by leaving the yeast cell as the precursor molecule, α-Acetolactic acid (acetolactate). Breweries do reuse yeast cultures to some extent, however these cells only remain stable for a finite number of generations, after which a fresh culture must be used. This is because the yeast produce more diacetyl the 'older' they are, so the more batches that use the same yeast the more Diacetyl will be produced. This project will use an additive called acetolactate synthase inhibitor to control the production of Diacetyl. This inhibitor targets the production of Diacetyl's precursor molecule, acetolactate. This project will analyze the acetolactate synthase inhibitor's ability to lower the level of Diacetyl in beer. To accomplish this, an assay to detect levels of Diacetyl in beer will be created. This assay will then be used to compare the concentration of Diacetyl in beer that was fermented using yeast with the acetolactate synthase inhibitors vs. yeast that were not given any additives. It is expected that the yeast cells with the inhibitor should produce beer with less Diacetyl off-flavor as the additive blocks the synthesis of acetolactate in yeast. This could lead to significant cost reductions by requiring fewer fresh yeast cultures.

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Juliann Solomon

Assessing the Effects of Bitter Melon on Diabetic Cardiac Fibrosis

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Biotech Seniors 2021-2022

Allayah Stillwell

Natural Products as Anticancer Therapeutics: Analysis of the Anticancer Potency of EGCG, a component of Green Tea, on HCT 116 Colon Cancer Cells

Green tea has been used in Chinese medicinal culture as early as 2700 BCE. Green tea has a high abundance of catechins and other antioxidants, which potentially contribute to its purported health benefits. Many of green tea’s health benefits have been attributed to its main constituent, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Literature reveals that EGCG potentially binds to the 67LR receptor, which is overexpressed in some cancerous cells, presenting the potential for EGCG to be used as a treatment to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In this project, several experimental questions will be explored regarding EGCG including: what concentration of EGCG is in commercial green teas, what is the expression-level of 67LR on HCT 116 cancer cells, what is the anticancer potency of EGCG, and characterization of EGCG’s membrane permeability. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) will be used to quantitate EGCG in green tea preparations. EGCG’s anticancer potency will be assessed by exposing HCT 116 cells to various concentrations of EGCG spiked into cell culture media for 48 hours. Cell viability will then be assessed using a in vitro assay (MTT) and flow cytometry. Cellular permeability will be assessed by treating cells with EGCG and then quantitating the intracellular accumulation of EGCG under different conditions. Overall, the results of this research project will contribute to our understanding of EGCG and its potential use as an anticancer therapeutic.

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Sophia Khatri

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Assessing the Protective Effect of GABA on Neuronal Cell Lines (SH-sy5y and PC12) from MnCl-Induced Parkinson’s Disease

When people think of brain disorders one of the first ones that comes to mind is Alzheimer’s, however Parkinson’s Disease is just as prevalent. 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with Parkinson’s Disease and 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s Disease. Little is known about the specific mechanism of this disease; however, it has been shown that death and impairment of dopaminergic neurons occurs resulting in failure to communicate, therefore there is a loss of motor function as well as other cognitive disabilities. Common therapeutics include dopamine promoters, antidepressants, anti-tremor medication, and lifestyle changes. One common treatment, Levodopa, is a dopamine precursor that passes into the brain and is converted into dopamine. However, most of these treatments vary from person to person. Instead of a curative approach, these medications are used to relieve the symptoms and maintain the quality of life. Recently, researchers have evaluated alternative approaches to treat Parkinson’s Disease. GABA (Gamma aminobutyric Acid), a natural neurotransmitter in the brain, can potentially prevent damage to dopaminergic neurons. However, the mechanisms of GABA’s preventive abilities are still unknown. This work will assess GABA’s potential as a preventative against the effects of manganese chloride (MnCl2) in promoting Parkinson’s Disease progression in vitro. Neuronal cell lines, SH-sy5y and PC12, will be grown in culture and assessed using a western blot for their expression of GABA receptors, GABAa and GABAb. Once we have demonstrated expression of these receptors, we will expose the cells to MnCl2 which induces the cell impairment and death observed in Parkinson’s Disease. These same cells will then be cultured with MnCl2 + GABA to determine the effect of GABA on preventing this damage by observing cell morphology and cell viability. This research aims at showing an alternative and more natural treatment to Parkinson’s Disease by showing GABA’s potential neuroprotective effect on diseased cells.

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Rylee Hanson

Immunology: Analyzing Jurkat T Cell Viability and T Cell Receptor Signaling in Acidic Microenvironments

The immune system plays a key role in our overall health. The immune system protects from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, but it also protects from abnormal cell growth, such as cancer. Cancerous tumors form when healthy cells mutate in a way that dysregulates their growth and survival. If left unchecked, these abnormal cells can grow uncontrollably and begin to spread. One way that the immune system recognizes and destroys abnormal cells and invaders is through recognition by T cells. T cells recognize foreign antigens via their T Cell Receptors (TCRs) which have been randomized, generated, and then negatively selected against self-reactive recombinants. A sampling of all proteins made by the cell is presented to T Cells via major histocompatibility (MHC) proteins present on all nucleated cells. A successful interaction between a T Cell and an MHC bearing foreign peptide will initiate an immune response including TCR signaling and proliferation. Interestingly, cancerous tumors have been observed to have acidic microenvironments, meaning the area immediately surrounding the tumor tends to be acidic. Acidic environments can negatively impact proteins, potentially causing them to denature. One concern is that the acidic nature of the tumor microenvironment could negatively impact the interaction between the T Cell and MHC molecule thereby reducing the efficacy of an immune response. This work will use Jurkat T Cells as a model T Cell line to evaluate the survival, immune signaling, and proliferation of T Cells under differing pH environments. Understanding how T Cells respond when exposed to tumor microenvironments could lead to potential targets for cell modifications and advance cancer treatments to improve patient care.

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Zachary Binkley

Cellular Pharmacology: Assessing Phenibut’s Inhibition of Calcium-induced Toxicity in U87MG cells, an in Vitro Model for Traumatic Brain Injury

In 2019, 61,000 traumatic brain injury (TBI) related deaths were reported in the United States. Those who survive severe head injury are often left with permanent damage that results in life-long depression, decreased cognition, decreased self-regulation, and increased propensity to neurodegenerative diseases. A large portion of the brain damage from TBIs comes from secondary damage when neighboring brain cells are killed by excessive extracellular glutamate and calcium ions, released by the physically damaged cells, which disrupts the homeostatic balance of intracellular calcium in bystander cells resulting in apoptosis. Without therapeutic intervention, the secondary damage is difficult to control and will progress for several days after initial trauma. Phenibut is a therapeutic associated with a decrease in the extent of secondary damage. Interestingly, phenibut is a derivative of Gamma-AminoButyric Acid (GABA), the body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Phenibut exhibits voltage dependent calcium channel blockade and GABA receptor agonism. Both mechanisms work to counter the toxic effects of excessive glutamate and calcium on brain cells. My research seeks to assess the efficacy of phenibut in preventing apoptosis in U87MG glioma cells exposed to varying concentrations of calcium and glutamate. Intracellular calcium will be measured with Rhod-4 calcium chelating fluorescent dye. Cell viability will be assessed with an MTT assay and flow cytometry. These data will further validate the potential for phenibut to prevent secondary damage from TBIs.

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Jacob Freitag

Antimicrobial Biologics: Design and Characterization of Novel Iron Ion-Binding Peptides as Antimicrobial Agents

Yearly in the United States, over 1.7 million individuals are hospitalized with bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) leading to long-term damage to organs and possible death. Treatment for bacteremia normally depends on extended use of antibiotics, yet increased usage of these compounds overall has contributed to antibiotic-resistant strains and the continued efficacy of these treatments is now in question. With approximately 270,000 deaths annually, the need for new antibiotics and novel co-therapies cannot be overstated. Iron ions specifically increase the proliferation rates of various pathogenic bacteria while simultaneously catalyzing the production of damaging reactive oxygenated species (ROS) within the host. Free iron ions in bacteremia patients’ serum correlates with an increased likelihood of multiple organ failure and death. Pairing these observations with ongoing research studying metal-binding peptides such as the Amino Terminal Copper and Nickel (ATCUN) motifs, which sequester metal ions in physiological environments, has confirmed these chelating agents as important adjuvants to traditional antibiotic treatments. This research is focused on discovering, building, and characterizing iron ion-binding peptide motifs (FBMs) that may be used in tandem with antibiotics and/or incorporated into new therapies such as anti-microbial peptides (AMPs). Development of FBMs will be done using a combination of bioinformatics and biomimetic design using natural iron-binding proteins as the model. The selected FBMs will then be produced by a AAPPTec Focus XC automated solid-phase peptide synthesizer using standard fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry. Once completed, characterization studies will evaluate the iron ion-chelating capacity of these FBMs and their anti-microbial potency against known iron ion-dependent opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia Coli, and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa grown in vitro .

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Paige Kramer

Natural Products & Immunology: Assessing the Effect of Rosemary Extract on Histamine Release in Stimulated Murine Mast Cells

Each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. These may be life-threatening food allergies, pet allergies, or common seasonal allergies. Mast Cells are the main proponent of allergic reactions, mediated by the process of degranulation. During this process, the cell expels its granules and releases various molecules including histamine, beta-hexosaminidase, and others. These initiate an immune response which can result in symptoms ranging from mild irritation to system-wide anaphylaxis. Whereas antihistamine treatments block the histamine signaling on bystander cells, no drug has been found to stop the activation of mast cells, which remain an alluring target. Recent work has shown that Rosemary Extract (RE) has the potential to prevent mast cell degranulation. This project addresses this possibility using murine peritoneal mast cells and extracts of rosemary. Rosemary will be organically extracted overnight and then filtered before its complexity is assessed using reverse phase HPLC. Murine peritoneal mast cells will be harvested from mouse peritoneal cavities, enumerated, and assayed for the ability of RE to ameliorate their degranulation in vitro. A combination of quinacrine staining, microscopy, and flow cytometry will be used to both confirm the identity of the mast cells and measure their degranulation. A beta-hexosaminidase assay will be used to quantify degranulation, with and without the addition of RE.

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Amber Worden

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Gene Therapy: Evaluating the Anticancer Effect of PTEN Gene Therapy on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells

One in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer within their lifetime. Chemotherapy is a common therapeutic for cancer, however, its toxicity is not limited to cancer cells, leading to a number of debilitating side effects. Alternative therapeutics are being developed to spare healthy cells without sacrificing efficacy. One alternative is gene therapy, which works to recover expression of a lost gene in genetically diseased cells. This project will use a viral vector to mediate gene therapy to restore the expression of the tumor suppressor gene, PTEN. Prior work suggests that the recovery of normal PTEN expression in these cancer cells could lead to reduced proliferation and cell death. This project aims to explore gene therapy as a potential anticancer tool in 4T1 cells as a model. Specifically, Lenti-293T cells will be used to incorporate PTEN into lentiviral vectors that will be used to infect 4T1 cells and reincorporate the PTEN gene into their genome. Once incorporated, PTEN expression will be induced and PTEN expression levels and anticancer effect will be measured. Overall, this research will demonstrate the potential of restoring tumor suppressor genes as a form of effective gene therapy.

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Valeria Laber

Cellular Pharmacology: Assessing the Impact of Ivermectin Treatment on Cell Viability and Microtubule Stability in Mammalian Cells Grown in vitro

The medical community and health officials have a serious concern about using the anti-parasitic worm medication, Ivermectin, for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. Several studies have shown Ivermectin to have antiviral action against Sars-CoV-2 in vitro; however, more work needs to be done to demonstrate the safety of this drug and investigate off-target effects. Despite the lack of such evidence, Ivermectin has been touted by some groups to be an effective treatment for Covid-19 resulting in 1,718 cases reported of exposure to Ivermectin from January 1, 2021 to October 17, 2021, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. It is therefore critical to establish a solid base of scientific evidence to support or refute the assertion made by these groups. Current evidence shows that Ivermectin acts against parasitic worms by binding to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate muscle and nerve cells of the microfilaria which increases influx of chloride ions into the cells and eventually causes death of the parasitic worm. In humans, Ivermectin can be used as a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic for the treatment of tropical parasites. However, mammals lack these ion channels and Ivermectin may bind to the microtubules of these cells and may adversely affect functions such as cellular proliferation. This research project aims to assess the potential adverse effects Ivermectin treatment can have on the cell viability and microtubule stability of mammalian cells (HeLa) grown in culture. Flow cytometry will be used to evaluate potential impacts on cell viability and cell cycle arrest. Cell viability (cell toxicity) will be assessed using an MTT assay. Additional work will focus on visualizing potential changes to intracellular microtubule structures by using fluorescent microscopy. The results of this research project should provide additional data to understand the effects of Ivermectin on microtubule proliferation.

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Lucy Johnson

Natural Products & Immunology: Analyzing the Potential Blockading Effect of CBD Treatment on LPS-Mediated Inflammation

About 1.5 million Americans suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory disease with no cure. This is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leaving the body in a constant state of inflammation. A major characteristic of RA is unresolved inflammation specifically in the joints of the hands, wrists, and knees. People who have RA suffer from pain, experience bone and joint deformity, and exhibit a loss of function in the targeted areas. In these patients, the immune system is not working properly and the immune responses are unregulated. As an autoimmune disorder, B cells are presenting healthy cells with autoantigens that trigger multiple signaling pathways that lead to the release of cytokines. A primary cytokine, IL-6, plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA due to its pro-inflammatory effects. IL-6 causes the release of acute phase proteins which cause fevers, iron deficiency, fatigue, fat and muscle loss, anorexia, and weakness. IL-6 release, therefore, represents a key therapeutic target as this may prevent the initiation of inflammatory responses. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to exert a number of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Herein, I will determine whether CBD treatment can decrease IL-6 expression in inflamed cells. Cells will be stimulated with LPS which will model inflammation in vivo. Cells will be co-cultured with different amounts of CBD and the expression of IL-6 will be measured using western blot. The expected results of this experiment are that CBD decreases the expression of LPS induced IL-6.

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Biotech Seniors 2020-2021

Alaina Coughlin

Biotherapeutics : Characterizing the impact IL-13 treatment has on mucus production of cultured human adenocarcinoma cells.

Every year between 30,000 and 40,000 people are newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) in the United States. UC is the most prevalent disease in the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is disruptive to life, painful, and in severe cases it can be deadly. UC is caused by a thinning of the mucus layers that protect the lining of the digestive system from enteric bacteria and other materials. Enteric bacteria are typically harmless and even beneficial, but with the absence of a mucus barrier they can infiltrate the lining of the digestive system and cause a severe immune reaction and ulceration. IL-13 is a protein used by the immune system primarily to regulate the response to parasites. However, it has also been implicated in other immune responses: the mediation of allergic inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness in asthma. Recently, increased levels of IL-13 have been observed in severe cases of SARS-CoV-2. IL-13 regulates, among other responses, goblet cell metaplasia and subsequent mucus secretion. My research aims to observe the effects of IL-13 treatment on a simulated intestinal epithelium (HT29 cells grown in culture) and its ability to induce goblet cell metaplasia and enhancement of mucus production. This work could be the foundation for treatments of UC that address the root cause of the disease, rather than current treatments of long-term immunosuppressants. View Alania's presentation presentation

Andy Cardona Orellana

Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics: Assessing the influence glycosylation plays in protecting antibodies from lysosome-based proteolytic degradation.

Antibody therapeutics have recently become a valuable tool in the treatment of disease. Their ability to bind specifically to one target affords them exquisite selectivity, which can dramatically reduce off-target drug effects. Antibodies are important endogenous biomolecules that play a critical role in fighting disease. As such, our bodies have evolved mechanisms to protect antibodies from premature degradation and therefore tend to have highly favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Antibodies, such as IgG, can be taken up by cells such as monocytes, but are kept from lysosomal degradation by their interaction with the FcRn receptor. The FcRn receptor binds to the constant region of the IgG to protect them from degradation by exocytosing the IgG back into the serum. Studies have shown that glycans found in the constant region of IgG influence its interaction with the FcRn receptor. Therefore, the design of therapeutic antibodies must also consider lysosomal recycling pathways. Without the proper engagement of the FcRn, these therapeutics would have a greatly diminished half-life within the body, which would reduce their effectiveness. My research project aims to study the influence that glycosylation has on protecting IgG antibodies from lysosomal degradation in cultured THP-1 cells, a model for monocytes. Using fluorescent tags and live-cell dyes, I will evaluate the degree of antibody-lysosomal colocalization and assess proteolytic degradation of the antibodies using western blot analysis. These studies will compare results between antibodies with native glycosylation vs. deglycosylated antibodies. The results of this study will improve our understanding of antibody glycosylation and its influence in protecting them from proteolytic degradation. View Andy's presentation

Steve Harris

Neurodegenerative Diseases : Assessing the impact that variable expression of the SOD-1 protein has on the abundance of intracellular reactive oxidative species in cultured human cells.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), though relatively rare, is a debilitating and fatal condition for which there currently is no cure. ALS is a degenerative neuromuscular disorder in which neural cells are damaged, leading to loss of function, and eventually affecting all muscles in the body. Mutation of the SOD-1 gene, a gene encoding a superoxide dismutase, has been identified as a significant contributor to the debilitating effects of ALS. Dysfunction of the SOD-1 gene can lead to a toxic, free radical-ladened environment inside neural cells leading to cell damage and death. This study aims to determine the influence variable expression levels of the SOD-1 enzyme have on the intracellular abundance of free radicals in human cells. To test this, HeLa cells will be used as a model human cell line in which we will vary SOD-1 expression levels: unmodified wild-type HeLa cells representing normal SOD-1 expression, HeLa cells overexpressing SOD-1 (via a transient transfection), and HeLa cells under-expressing SOD-1 (via an siRNA knock-down). The abundance of intracellular free radicals will be assessed using a fluorescent reporter system in a microplate assay format and fluorescence micrograph format. These results are expected to strengthen our understanding of the relationship between SOD-1 expression and its role in mitigating the intracellular abundance of free radicals in human cells. This knowledge could guide therapies to counter the debilitating effects of ALS and improve quality of life for these patients.

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Jackson Cobb

Pharmacogenomics: Assessing the genotype-phenotype relationship of the drug metabolizing enzyme CYP1A2 allele A vs allele C on caffeine metabolism in a human subject.

Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Caffeine can be found in food, drinks, and supplements. Many of us ingest caffeine every day to wake up for the day or throughout the day as an energy supplement. Some individuals can consume a large amount of caffeine on a daily basis but not suffer the negative consequences of insomnia despite the stimulant effects of the drug, while others experience these adverse effects even with only moderate amounts of caffeine. In large part, this is attributable to the enzyme responsible for breaking caffeine down, CYP1A2. Furthermore, it has shown that there is a link between increased risk of cardiac arrest depending on which variant of CYP1A2 with the consumption of caffeine. The human population exhibits a wide variability in the genetic sequence for drug-metabolizing enzymes (i.e., genotype) that can lead to alterations in the body’s ability to remove the drug from the body (i.e., observed phenotype). Understanding this relationship is critical for scientists seeking to characterize drug dosages for the human population. My research seeks to characterize a genotype-phenotype relationship in a human subject using caffeine as a model drug. To accomplish this goal, I will identify the genotype of the subject by PCR across a variable region of the enzyme involved in caffeine metabolism (genes: CYP1A2 AA/C and enzyme CYP1A2). To identify the phenotype, I will design a quantitative method using HPLC to perform a PK study and determine drug half-life. These data sets will be combined to assess the individual’s genotype and phenotype relationship.

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Nutraceuticals : Assessing the antimicrobial potency and chemical composition of oregano essential oil: A scientific approach to test a supplement company’s therapeutic claim.

The increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has generated growing interest in alternative/accessory antimicrobial agents. To meet this demand, many supplement companies market “essential oils” which are concentrated extracts from plants. These companies claim that their marketed essential oils have many health promoting properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, among others. My research aims to study the antimicrobial potency of oregano essential oil on Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Additionally, we will specifically evaluate the antimicrobial potency of carvacrol, a compound found in high concentrations within the essential oil and suspected to be its active ingredient. Using the optical density at 600nm, this study will characterize the growth vs time curves of the selected microbes to determine the antimicrobial potency of the essential oil and carvacrol. Using HPLC, we will also measure the endogenous concentration of carvacrol within the essential oil. The results of this study will allow an evidence-based approach to scientifically evaluate the supplement company’s claim that their oregano oil possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. Overall, this work serves as a standard by which supplement companies can make a claim regarding the antibiotic activity of this and other similar nutraceuticals.

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Sydney Isabelle

Pharmacognosy: Assessing the anticancer potency and selectivity of mushroom-extracts in model cell culture-based systems.

Fungi are everywhere. They are in your food, in your house and even in your body. Fungi are neither plant nor animal but a kingdom all their own. Over time, people have found increasingly creative ways to exploit the many uses of fungi. Throughout history, fungi have been used as a food source, a tool to enhance biodegradation of organic material and as a medicine. As they relates to medicine, mushrooms have been reported to contain compounds that exhibit powerful anticancer activity. To evaluate these claims, these compounds will be extracted from the mushrooms using solvents such as water or methanol and then tested on the cervical carcinoma cells line, HeLa, grown in culture. If the extracts show anticancer activity, further downstream purification will be performed to identify the specific active components. This project focuses on extracting hydrophobic compounds from different species of mushrooms, examining their chemical fingerprint, and testing their anticancer potency and selectivity in model cell culture-based systems.

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Richard T. Oliver

Aging Research: Assessing the influence CSB, a gene associated with premature aging in Cockayne syndrome, has on the induction of premature cellular senescence in a model cell culture-based system.

Cockayne Syndrome (CS) is a rare, fatal condition characterized by cognitive delays, stunted growth, and precocious aging. The molecular basis of CS is a disorder of the ERCC6 gene which codes for protein, CSA, involved in DNA repair. The accumulation of DNA damage over time contributes to cellular senescence and premature aging. Cellular senescence, defined as the irreversible arrest of cell proliferation following oncogenic stress such as DNA damage, is thought to be a major contributor to aging. The gold standard biomarker for measuring senescence is the hydrolysis of beta-galactosides into monosaccharides, which occurs only in senescent cells. My research aims to explore the influence that the CSB protein has on controlling senescence in human cells grown in culture. CRISPR will be used to knock out the ERCC6 gene in HeLa cells and verified by confirmation by PCR. To characterize any subsequent transformation of cells to a senescent phenotype, a beta-galactosidase activity assay will be developed using Fluorescein di(β-D-galactopyranoside), a fluorescent substrate for Senescent-Associated Beta-Galactosidase activity. The results of this study will further our understanding of the link between precocious aging-related disease states, cellular senescence, and the role of the CSB protein.

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Emily Munden

Antiviral Therapies (Coronavirus): Evaluating the in vitro safety and potential antiviral activity of chloroquine and ivermectin on cultured human lung cells infected with coronavirus.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019-2020 has resulted in a global pandemic infecting millions of people worldwide. As cases continue to surge and death rates climb, the race to find safe and effective coronavirus therapies is more important than ever. The mechanisms of infection and proliferation of coronavirus have been thoroughly studied and this knowledge can be exploited to develop therapeutics to potentially treat those infected with the virus. In previous studies, chloroquine has been shown to disrupt endocytosis and exocytosis processes involved in coronavirus infection, while ivermectin has been shown to inhibit coronavirus’ effect on the host cell’s anti-viral response. This research study examines chloroquine’s and ivermectin’s potential to inhibit coronavirus proliferation in a model human cell line grown in culture. Specifically, this study evaluates the in vitro safety, time- and dose-dependent anti-viral activity of these drugs, and the potential for synergic effects that might enhance antiviral activity of these two drugs. While the world continues to race for effective treatments and potential cures for SARS-CoV-2, the data collected in this study could provide insight into chloroquine’s and ivermectin’s potential to disrupt coronavirus infection.

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Maya Abuhijleh

Forensic Science: Employing short tandem repeat (STR) analysis to develop a cheap and reliable assay to verify human cell lines.

Over the years, DNA analysis has vastly increased the power of forensics, and has become an invaluable tool in law enforcement. DNA evidence is key to linking suspects to various crimes such as robbery, rape, murder, as well as serving as a tool for paternity testing and disease screening. However, these technologies are also applicable to questions outside of forensics. One such question arises in the laboratory when researchers are culturing a number of different cell types in close proximity. Because many cell types can look the same microscopically, it becomes possible to confuse, mislabel, or even cross-contaminate cell cultures. This research project aims to develop an assay that utilizes short tandem repeat (STR) analysis as a tool to verify human cell lines grown in culture in an affordable and reliable fashion. A small number of STRs will be analyzed by polymerase chain reaction to produce DNA products of variable sizes, as determined by the cell’s alleles, which will make up a fingerprint identifying each of several cell types. As these are human STRs, they can also be used to identify human DNA samples, which will further demonstrate the flexibility and reliability this test.

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Biotech Seniors 2019 - 2020

Zachary Mock

Cancer Therapy: Is Ellagic Acid, a micronutrient found in fruits a vegetables, a cancer fighting agent?

Ellagic Acid is a micronutrient found in fruits and vegetables, described as a polyphenol antioxidant, with a purported ability to induce apoptosis and reduce cellular proliferation of cancer cells. My capstone project is focused on assessing the anticancer potency of Ellagic Acid. My research will characterize Ellagic Acid’s cytotoxic potency and antiproliferative effects on a cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. Additionally, I seek to determine the natural abundance of Ellagic Acid in select fruits and beverages. Ultimately, this research could provide evidence that supports further investigation into Ellagic Acid’s potential as a cancer fighting therapy.

Jerod Vandervort

Animal Health: Is CBD an effective therapeutic treatment for reducing anxiety in dogs?

Like humans, many dogs suffer from debilitating anxiety. Recent hype surrounding cannabidiol (CBD) and its therapeutic potential for treating anxiety has inspired me to design a study to test this claim. My research focuses on developing an assay capable of detecting cortisol, a physiological biomarker of stress/anxiety, in the saliva of dogs. Once this assay is validated, a single-animal crossover study will be performed in which baseline values of anxiety will be assessed using both observational data and quantitative cortisol levels found in saliva. Following baseline assessment of anxiety, a veterinarian-prescribed regimen of CBD will be administered and assessment of anxiety will continue to the end of the study. Ultimately, this data could provide evidence to support further investigation into CBD as a routine and effective treatment for managing anxiety in canines.

Cancer Therapy: Can the sweet drinks we enjoy also fight cancer?

Sweeteners are commonly added to our food and drinks. What if some of these sweeteners also had cancer-fighting properties? Monk fruit is a common sweetener that naturally contains mogroside V which has been suggested to have anticancer properties. Although mogroside V’s mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is thought to limit cancer cell growth by increase the expression of p53, a tumor suppressor. My capstone project aims to measure two key aspects of mogroside V’s impact on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa): its cytotoxic potency and its impact on p53 expression-levels. Ultimately, this research will provide evidence to support further investigation into mogroside V and its potential to serve as an anticancer therapy.

Environmental Biology: Induction of Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) to Degrade PET Plastic, an environmental pollutant.

Accumulation of plastic waste in our natural environment is becoming a serious threat to wildlife and the health of Earth’s ecosystems. Plastics accumulate in our environment because there are limited number of organisms capable of degrading them, i.e., they are not biodegradable. Until recently, scientists were not aware of an existing natural mechanism capable of biodegrading plastics. However, a strain of bacteria was recently discovered that shows the ability to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, or PET plastic. These bacteria, named Ideonella sakaiensis (I. Sakaiensis), were found in sediments near a plastic bottle recycling facility in Sakai, Japan. Although I. Sakaiensis biodegrades PET plastic, it does so rather slowly and is only found in sediment and is therefore cannot effectively be used to degrade all plastic pollution. My project aims to exploit the genes I. Sakaiensis uses to degrade PET and insert these genes into Echerichia coli (E. Coli). Once established, these modified E. Coli could potentially be used as a tool to remediate environments polluted with plastics.

Justin Carroll

Vaccine Production: Can a toxoid-vaccine for strep throat be created from s. pyogenes toxin?

Streptococcus pyogenes is an extremely morbid bacteria, causing over 10 known diseases in humans including strep throat. A common mediator of the diseases caused by this organism is the toxin, streptolysin O. Streptolysin O is a protein secreted by streptococcal bacteria capable of directly injuring host cells and lysing red blood cells. Although widely researched, there remains no vaccine against s. pyogenes. My research aims to clone this toxin and inactivate it in order to generate a safe and effective vaccine.

Darci Ezell

Drug Delivery: Development and testing of novel peptides to improve drug deliver to the brain

Diseases of the brain can be difficult to treat with pharmaceuticals due to a unique anatomical barrier called the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a collection of cells that encapsulates all the capillaries entering the brain. These cells are bound together by special proteins called VE-cadherins. VE-cadherins keep the cells of the BBB tightly linked and this limits drugs’ ability to slip into the brain. One promising method of increasing drug delivery through the BBB is by modulating (reducing) the tight binding of VE-cadherins. My research seeks to test two linear peptides’ (AVAIDK and KVFRVDAETGDVFAI) ability to modulate VE-cadherin binding and thereby increase drug penetration into the brain. VE-cadherin binding will be assessed using native PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). While changes in endothelial cell permeability will be observed by measuring TEER (trans-electrical endothelial resistance) values. Ultimately, this work will lay the foundation for follow-up work focused on developing adjunct therapies that improve the efficacy of brain-targeting drugs.

Claire Renfro

Immunology: Cloning and characterization of an immune signaling protein

When the immune system turns against itself, a variety of disease states arise. Many of these conditions exhibit a vicious cycle leading to increased severity of symptoms. In the last two decades, a new class of immune cells has been characterized as secreting a powerful signaling protein. These cells and the protein they secrete, interleukin – 17 (IL-17), have been linked to inflammation associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including the skin condition, psoriasis. In order to better understand the pathology of psoriasis, my research seeks to clone and characterize IL-17 and the signals it elicits in receptive cells.

Patrick McDougall

Environmental Survey: Development and validation of a rapid, onsite test-kit to detect toxic algal blooms in local bodies of water.

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) are a growing concern for water supplies in the United States and around the world. These HABs are increasing in prevalence and produce toxins that negatively impact the health of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Currently, there is not a wide selection of cost-efficient, on-site methods for testing water samples for HAB toxins. My research focuses on creating a simple test kit that can detect one of Kansas City’s most prevalent HAB toxins, microcystin. The design of the test-kit will exploit the natural inhibitory effects of microcystin on protein phosphatases to create a colorimetric assay that will generates signal proportional to microcystin concentration. This kit will enable users to perform a quick, on-site test of water supplies and determine if local bodies of water are contaminated with microcystin. Ultimately, this research will provide a proof of concept study that can potentially be used to launch a startup company focused on developing test-kits for public use.

Josue Bernal

Drug Delivery: Overcoming drug delivery barriers through the use of liposomes

Drugs can only be effective if they are able to reach their intended drug target. To reach these drug targets, they must traverse biological environments. Unfortunately, these environments present many anatomical and chemical barriers that limit drugs’ access to their intended target. Liposomes are tiny lipid-containing particles that hold the promise of overcoming many drug-delivery barriers. My project focuses on producing a variety of liposomes using different formulations and then testing their effectiveness of overcoming an antibiotic drug’s limited cellular permeability. This research project will lay the foundation for me as a scientist entering the scientific field of drug delivery.

Kenny Escobar

Pharmaceutical Science: Are nutraceuticals truly what they say they are?

A nutraceutical is a food, fortified food, or supplement that is purported to provide medical benefits, boost performance, or prevent/treat disease. Nutraceuticals are available over the counter and do not require any medical supervision or oversight to use. Additionally, nutraceuticals often make audacious claims that “suggest” a myriad of health benefits resulting from the active ingredient; however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee the production and safety of these products. This ultimately creates a situation whereby nutraceutical company’s can sell a product without actually proving the active component is present or proving the active component is present at the stated concentration. My research project is focused on analyzing glutamine supplements, testing for both the presence and abundance of glutamine and comparing that to the specifications defined on the packaging. This project ultimately aims to raise awareness of regulatory compliance of pharmaceuticals and their role in our society.

Cheyenne Smith

Stem Cell Therapy: Can insulin-producing cells be generated to treat diabetes in dogs?

Is the time for daily insulin injections for the treatment of diabetes coming to an end? Everyday thousands of pets are subjected to insulin injections to treat their diabetes. This puts a major strain on both the animals and their owners. I have the privilege to collaborate with Likarda, an animal health company seeking to find a better treatment for type 1 diabetes in companion animals. Our goal is to develop and optimize an effective and cost-efficient way of transforming stem cells into insulin producing cells that can be stably infused into animals. My project specifically examines the growth signals required to generate these cells in culture. Ultimately, this would serve as a long-term treatment for animals suffering from diabetes and thus eliminate the need for daily injections.

Biotech Seniors 2018 - 2019

Nancy Varela-Gastelum

Cancer Biology: Human cancer cells metabolize sugar in an aberrant way. Can this be reversed to remediate the cancer?

Cancer cells can display an array of aberrant cellular behaviors. One of these behaviors, termed the Warburg Effect, describes cancer cells that overproduce lactate through anaerobic metabolism. My research aims to design and validate a lactate quantitation assay. This assay will be used to characterize the Warburg Effect in various cancer cell lines. Additional studies will be performed to reduce the expression of Lactate Dehydrogenous, a key enzyme that produces lactate, and assess the antiproliferative effects of this modification. Ultimately, this lactate quantification assay could potentially be used by other cancer research labs to characterize metabolism of their cultured cells in an inexpensive way.

Austin Brewer

Cancer Therapy: Is Lychee fruit a cancer-slaying super food?

My project involves utilizing an extract, called kuromanin, from lychee fruit to treat breast cancer cells. The treatments have shown promise in other studies and I would like to build on those by not only testing extracts made from fresh fruit, but by also testing extracts from frozen and canned lychee because they are more widely available. From this project I hope to further investigate whether or not kuromanin could be used as a viable treatment for cancer in the future.

Phuong Dinh

Antibiotic Resistance: Does Manuka Honey contain our next-generation antibiotic?

Concerns have grown rapidly about antibiotic resistance in the recent years. Scientists are working to create and discover novel antibiotic drugs to combat this resistance. My project focuses on this area of scientific inquiry. Specifically, I am fascinated by the potential antimicrobial ability of honeys, especially Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal is the major antimicrobial component found in Manuka Honey. In my project, I am going to use the Kirby-Bauer method and microbial viability assays to measure the antimicrobial effects of Methylglyoxal against gram-positive, gram-negative and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.

Aldyn Wildey

Drug Delivery: Can that diet soda really affect your brain? An in vitro study of aspartame permeability across the blood-brain barrier.

My capstone focuses on the design and validation of an in vitro blood-brain barrier assay. I would like to see if aspartame can pass through the blood-brain barrier using the neutral amino acid transporter (NAAT), which is expressed in the hCMEC/D3 human endothelial blood-brain barrier cell line. I will use high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the permeability of the aspartame into the brain in vitro.

Alex Fowler

Gene Editing: Using CRISPR to make bacteria glow

I am doing my project on gene editing. Specifically, I will be using CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool derived from bacteria, to incorporate a fluorescence gene (GFP) into a specific region of the E. Coli genome. This experimental work will serve as a training experience as I seek to master the CRISPR-Cas9 tool. My follow-up studies will use CRISPR-Cas9 to specifically edit a gene within mammalian cells grown in culture.

Paniz Borzoofard

Disease Biomarkers: Creating an in-home test for PSA, a protein correlated with prostate cancer

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is used as a biomarker to screen for prostate cancer in men. For my project, I want to develop an at-home test strip to assess PSA levels. The test strip will be designed to detect blood levels of PSA that exceed 3 ng/mL (the established threshold for a positive result in clinical testing). The broader goal of this project is to make it easier and cheaper for men to screen for prostate cancer. The increased ease and accessibility of this at-home test will hopefully decrease the number of deaths caused from delayed clinical testing.

Over the years, DNA analysis has vastly increased the power of forensics, and has become an invaluable tool in law enforcement. DNA evidence is key to linking suspects to various crimes such as robbery, rape, murder, as well as serving as a tool for paternity testing and disease screening. However, these technologies are also applicable to questions outside of forensics. One such question arises in the laboratory when researchers are culturing a number of different cell types in close proximity. Because many cell types can look the same microscopically, it becomes possible to confuse, mislabel, or even cross-contaminate cell cultures. This research project aims to develop an assay that utilizes short tandem repeat (STR) analysis as a tool to verify human cell lines grown in culture in an affordable and reliable fashion. A small number of STRs will be analyzed by polymerase chain reaction to produce DNA products of variable sizes, as determined by the cell's alleles, which will make up a fingerprint identifying each of several cell types. As these are human STRs, they can also be used to identify human DNA samples, which will further demonstrate the flexibility and reliability this test.

Ellagic Acid is a micronutrient found in fruits and vegetables, described as a polyphenol antioxidant, with a purported ability to induce apoptosis and reduce cellular proliferation of cancer cells. My capstone project is focused on assessing the anticancer potency of Ellagic Acid. My research will characterize Ellagic Acid's cytotoxic potency and antiproliferative effects on a cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. Additionally, I seek to determine the natural abundance of Ellagic Acid in select fruits and beverages. Ultimately, this research could provide evidence that supports further investigation into Ellagic Acid's potential as a cancer fighting therapy.

Sweeteners are commonly added to our food and drinks. What if some of these sweeteners also had cancer-fighting properties? Monk fruit is a common sweetener that naturally contains mogroside V which has been suggested to have anticancer properties. Although mogroside V's mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is thought to limit cancer cell growth by increase the expression of p53, a tumor suppressor. My capstone project aims to measure two key aspects of mogroside V's impact on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa): its cytotoxic potency and its impact on p53 expression-levels. Ultimately, this research will provide evidence to support further investigation into mogroside V and its potential to serve as an anticancer therapy.

Accumulation of plastic waste in our natural environment is becoming a serious threat to wildlife and the health of Earth's ecosystems. Plastics accumulate in our environment because there are limited number of organisms capable of degrading them, i.e., they are not biodegradable. Until recently, scientists were not aware of an existing natural mechanism capable of biodegrading plastics. However, a strain of bacteria was recently discovered that shows the ability to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, or PET plastic. These bacteria, named Ideonella sakaiensis (I. Sakaiensis), were found in sediments near a plastic bottle recycling facility in Sakai, Japan. Although I. Sakaiensis biodegrades PET plastic, it does so rather slowly and is only found in sediment and is therefore cannot effectively be used to degrade all plastic pollution. My project aims to exploit the genes I. Sakaiensis uses to degrade PET and insert these genes into Echerichia coli (E. Coli). Once established, these modified E. Coli could potentially be used as a tool to remediate environments polluted with plastics.

Diseases of the brain can be difficult to treat with pharmaceuticals due to a unique anatomical barrier called the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a collection of cells that encapsulates all the capillaries entering the brain. These cells are bound together by special proteins called VE-cadherins. VE-cadherins keep the cells of the BBB tightly linked and this limits drugs' ability to slip into the brain. One promising method of increasing drug delivery through the BBB is by modulating (reducing) the tight binding of VE-cadherins. My research seeks to test two linear peptides' (AVAIDK and KVFRVDAETGDVFAI) ability to modulate VE-cadherin binding and thereby increase drug penetration into the brain. VE-cadherin binding will be assessed using native PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). While changes in endothelial cell permeability will be observed by measuring TEER (trans-electrical endothelial resistance) values. Ultimately, this work will lay the foundation for follow-up work focused on developing adjunct therapies that improve the efficacy of brain-targeting drugs.

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) are a growing concern for water supplies in the United States and around the world. These HABs are increasing in prevalence and produce toxins that negatively impact the health of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Currently, there is not a wide selection of cost-efficient, on-site methods for testing water samples for HAB toxins. My research focuses on creating a simple test kit that can detect one of Kansas City's most prevalent HAB toxins, microcystin. The design of the test-kit will exploit the natural inhibitory effects of microcystin on protein phosphatases to create a colorimetric assay that will generates signal proportional to microcystin concentration. This kit will enable users to perform a quick, on-site test of water supplies and determine if local bodies of water are contaminated with microcystin. Ultimately, this research will provide a proof of concept study that can potentially be used to launch a startup company focused on developing test-kits for public use.

Drugs can only be effective if they are able to reach their intended drug target. To reach these drug targets, they must traverse biological environments. Unfortunately, these environments present many anatomical and chemical barriers that limit drugs' access to their intended target. Liposomes are tiny lipid-containing particles that hold the promise of overcoming many drug-delivery barriers. My project focuses on producing a variety of liposomes using different formulations and then testing their effectiveness of overcoming an antibiotic drug’s limited cellular permeability. This research project will lay the foundation for me as a scientist entering the scientific field of drug delivery.

A nutraceutical is a food, fortified food, or supplement that is purported to provide medical benefits, boost performance, or prevent/treat disease. Nutraceuticals are available over the counter and do not require any medical supervision or oversight to use. Additionally, nutraceuticals often make audacious claims that “suggest” a myriad of health benefits resulting from the active ingredient; however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee the production and safety of these products. This ultimately creates a situation whereby nutraceutical company's can sell a product without actually proving the active component is present or proving the active component is present at the stated concentration. My research project is focused on analyzing glutamine supplements, testing for both the presence and abundance of glutamine and comparing that to the specifications defined on the packaging. This project ultimately aims to raise awareness of regulatory compliance of pharmaceuticals and their role in our society.

Awesome STEM Projects for High School Biology (From 30 min to 2 Weeks!)

When choosing a STEM activity for your high school Biology students, it can be a fine line between fun and corny. You’ll want to ensure you are meeting NGSS standards, but you also want your students to be engaged, informed, and most importantly, to have fun.

To help you achieve this goal, we have pulled together some ideas for STEM projects for high school biology that we have used with students that were a success – organized by how much time you may be trying to fill.

Related post: Biology Science Fair Projects for 10th Grade

Here’s how you can get your students engaged in Biology while meeting the goals of your curriculum and NGSS.

I Only Have 30 Minutes for the STEM Project!

If you only have 30 minutes for an activity, you’ll want that activity to really “wow” your students. So how about making it a hands-on lab with minimal setup or cleanup?

Our favorite is a Genetics activity that students really go crazy over where they discover what a SuperTaster is, and whether or not they carry the SuperTaster Gene. This activity leads to discussions about the Survival of the Fittest, Punnett Squares, and family pedigrees.

Here’s how it’s done: Students are given 4 small paper tabs (one at a time) containing either Control, PTC, Sodium Benzoate, and Thiourea. Each student should keep track of what each tastes like on a chart, as well as how it tastes for the entire class. Some students may find the paper’s taste strong (very bitter!) or like nothing at all. Hilarity ensues in the Genetics lab. You can purchase your own Supe rTaster Genetics Lab Kit and have fun with Genetics!

I Have 3 Days for the Biology Project

If you have three days to run your Biology project, we’ve found it’s best to start telling a story that carries students from day to day and gets them excited about what could happen tomorrow.

What’s more exciting than a mystery? By teaching students about Forensics, methods in Forensic Science such as Fingerprinting (fingerprint your students!), DNA, and PCR, your students will discover how scientists use Forensics in the real world.

On Day 2, have your students figure out what type of fingerprints they all have, and make a class chart (this is important for Day 3). They should also learn how to read DNA Electrophoresis Bands, and practice with a worksheet .

On Day 3, before class, you will need to contact one of your students ahead of time (in each class) and ask them to help you by providing clues for a mystery. Tell them that they have been chosen to be the “guilty” student, but they can’t give it away no matter what. They will provide you with:

Their fingerprint type – you can either take actual samples of their fingerprint or a fake printout of their type of fingerprint
Shoe print or shoe tracing on paper
Strand of their hair taped to paper

Strategically place each of the clues around the room and before the students come in, remove something obvious from the room like the flag and the like. In our class, we removed a beloved taxidermied duck.

Tell the students that one of their classmates is suspected to have stolen this item, but you need their help to figure out who. See if they can find the clues and guess who the guilty person is. They will need to compare the fingerprint to their class list to narrow it down, compare the hair sample to others in the class under a microscope, and look at the shoe print compared to all of the shoes students are wearing.

I’ve also had a surprise DNA sample as a tie-breaker to throw into the mix that lists multiple students in the class and they need to compare it to the known sample at the scene. In the past, students have really gotten into this, and have even turned the activity into a full-court trial with expert witnesses.

Have fun with it – the kids might surprise you!

Ooh, I Have a 4th Day for my STEM Project in High School Biology!

Awesome, you are in for a treat!

You and your students should take what you started with Forensics a step farther and extract DNA from your own human cheek cells. The process for this can be a little tricky and the experiment is a little finicky, but when it works, it’ll be AMAZING!

We’ve done this with mixed results and can attest that when they say your Ethanol needs to be cold, they aren’t kidding. It needs to be on ice the whole time! Also, you know your students. If you have students who aren’t the best at following directions exactly, then the strawberry or banana DNA extraction might be for you since they are a little more forgiving.

Think of the awe and admiration your students will have for you when you show them their DNA. Go for it, you amazing science wizard!

I Have 2 Weeks for this High School Biology Project!

The best way that we’ve seen to get students to really remember content, is by making a movie about it. Not just any movie, but a stop motion animation video. Using iMovie, it’s really easy to make these, so hopefully, your students have iPads or iPhones.

If you haven’t made a stop motion animation video in iMovie before, there are lots of tutorials out there. But the basics are to make sure in iMovie after you drop your photos, get rid of Ken Burns Effect on all images, delete fade between pictures, and shorten all of the transitions in between pictures to the shortest time possible by selecting and dragging smaller.

If you can’t figure it out, don’t worry, your students will teach you. With our students, we’ve made stop motion videos on topics ranging from Protein Synthesis to Mitosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i get materials for these stem activities.

That varies depending on the activity. It also depends on where your school orders supplies for science. Carolina Biological Supply , Fisher Scientific , and even Amazon all have great Biology supplies at good prices.

These STEM activities are awesome! How can I find more like these?

There are so many amazing things to do out there. For more great resources, try going to SciStarter to find a Citizen Science project for your students. There are also some content-specific full curriculum resources such as this fantastic Climate Change Curriculum from Stanford University.

My school doesn’t have a lab or a very big budget. How can I do cool Biology projects without spending much money?

We’ve been there. In a deep ocean lesson, we have taught students about the decomposition of marine organisms on the seafloor by having them make a “slimy whale goo”. It was just cornstarch, water, and green food coloring, but they LOVED it. Doing any science, including Biology doesn’t have to cost a ton of money, it’s all about being creative. We have students draw… a lot. We also utilize full class projects, breaking up student tasks toward one goal which minimizes the total amount of needed materials!

Mark is the driving force behind STEM Geek. With 20 years of experience in chemistry education and research, and 3 willing children as guinea pigs, Mark has a passion for inspiring kids and adults to combine fun and learning with STEM Toys!

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Reimagining the final year project

Dr Sue Jones, Dr Dave Lewis and Michelle Payne discuss new alternatives to traditional final year bioscience projects, born out of necessity during the pandemic, can actually help improve student experience and employability

28th September 2020

Part I of this double feature on science education during a pandemic, looking at practical teaching, can be found here .

The global pandemic and lockdown hit the UK towards the end of the academic year for most undergraduate students and just before the research project for master’s students. This caused severe disruption to the lab-based science and fieldwork of postgraduate research students, postdocs and academic staff. One of the joys of teaching biology-based programmes is the power of practical classes and fieldwork to put theoretical knowledge into context for our students, culminating in their primary research experience in level 6[ 1,2 ]. So how on Earth can we deliver an authentic research experience in the post-COVID-19 environment? It is likely that some laboratories may still be closed at the start of the upcoming academic year or, if open, have social distancing requirements in place. This means that we urgently need to find alternatives to traditional laboratory or fieldwork projects.

A possible pedagogical silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we must move beyond just laboratory-based final year projects to a broader, US-style ‘capstone’ (or culminating) experience. Not because we have to, but because it is the right thing to do. Developing a broad portfolio of capstone opportunities – that includes new formats while retaining some traditional approaches – enhances the student learning experience by increasing ownership of their education and enabling them to decide what they want to achieve. It is clearly important to explain the benefits of different capstone experiences to students, aligning their choices with their skill sets and preferences for future employment or further study. Capstones can take many different formats and are both transformational and translational; they provide the opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge, understanding and skills to us as academics and potential employers.

Additional drivers for change are that employers increasingly require graduates with different knowledge and skill sets, while higher education providers, facing significant financial constraints, will need to provide high-quality education with decreased resources. This perfect storm provides a unique opportunity to collectively revamp our provision and move from a content-driven approach to a more personal and professional development-based one . In short, to better prepare our students for the 21st century workplace.

A broader approach

A research project remains a requirement of the QAA Benchmark Statements for Biosciences and Biomedical Sciences. Replacing these en masse with critical literature reviews is not acceptable to professional, statutory and regulatory bodies, nor would it be popular with students. By happy coincidence, both the RSB and the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) have recently made substantial changes to their accreditation criteria, informed by the work of co-author Dave Lewis. Both the RSB[ 3 ] and IBMS[ 4 ] now allow broader formats of capstone, including those that are team-based – as long as the individual contribution can be distinguished. The capstone experience must also include opportunities for analysis, synthesis and critical evaluation of primary or secondary data, and a defined output.

Building on Dave’s extensive experience of delivering a range of capstone projects that are highly valued compared with traditional research projects, we (the co-authors) designed interactive workshops to enable colleagues to embrace this new way of thinking. Our three online workshops in the summer of 2020 were supported by the Heads of University Biosciences and Heads of University Centres for Biomedical Science organisations. We asked participants to put aside their preconceived ideas on research projects and work collaboratively to share ideas and create outputs. We engaged with more than 200 attendees to introduce different professional-body-approved formats of non-traditional projects/capstones. We suggested ideas to tackle issues and facilitate the introduction of multiple formats of projects/capstones into bioscience degree programmes (nationally and internationally). Key to the capstone experience is students applying their knowledge and skills gained in earlier years to an enquiry-based problem and creating an output as a solution to this problem. Non-traditional capstones, all of which are deliverable solely or predominantly remotely, are thus an ideal solution to our pandemic predicament .

The feedback on our events has been excellent and together we have increased knowledge and understanding of different formats of non-traditional projects/capstones. We have shared our co-created outputs and extensive resources (see resources list below for links) on appropriate learning outcomes, generic grading criteria, authentic assessments, suggestions for scaffolding required in levels 4 and 5, and support for colleagues, plus addressing student expectations.

Open-access resources

All of our outputs have been shared as open-access resources. We have also created ‘how-to’ guides for each type of capstone experience (see resources list below for links). These are publicly available and offer simple information on how to design and implement them. Take-up of these has been amazing, with over 2,000 downloads from more than 50 countries since late July.

A selection of open access datasets is also available to support the delivery of post-COVID-19 capstone experiences. Importantly, the subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills our graduates will achieve will not be compromised and may even be enhanced in this brave new world. We cannot return to our old ways – the worlds of work and education have changed forever. Why do we believe that we can support you in this new venture? Because not all superheroes wear capes – some wear labcoats.

Dr Sue Jones MRSB was named the RSB’s Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year 2020 and is associate head of school for biosciences at York St John University. Dr Dave Lewis is a senior lecturer in pharmacology and bioethics at the University of Leeds. Michelle Payne is a senior lecturer in healthcare science at the University of Sunderland.

Capstone and Research Projects

Capstone and research projects.

At the University of Leeds, all undergraduate students regardless of discipline, must complete a substantial research-based or capstone project in their final year.

The purpose of a research or capstone project is to enable you to showcase the sum total of all you have learnt over the course of your studies.

You will be challenged with combining all of the experience and knowledge obtained from your first to last year. In addition, you will be expected to understand and apply skills such as problem solving, creativity and innovation as these are vital to all biological subjects.

This experience is designed to bring reflection and focus to your entire degree, and help you develop the necessary skills for succeeding in your future career.

Research or capstone?

While a research project is aimed at providing you with an abundance of research experience, the Faculty of Biological Sciences is proud to offer capstone projects as an alternative.

These capstone projects will allow you to take complete ownership of your final year project as you tackle a central scientific question or sole issue in depth.

Depending on your field of study, during your research or capstone project you may be expected to complete tasks such as:

Frame your research within the context of existing knowledge

Develop and test ideas or hypotheses to explain observations and connections

Create solutions to local or global problems

Critically analyse data and communicate the results to diverse audiences

Types of research and capstone projects

When it comes to choosing the topic of your extended project, you will select that which best addresses your individual development needs and future career intentions.

For the primary assessment method (eg academic paper, commercial report or e-portfolio), you will be expected to pick the one most suited to your particular project format.

Projects can be completed as an individual, in a team or even as a multi-team based assignment.

Research projects

Includes laboratory-based, bioinformatics/big data, computer modelling and literature reviews

Scientific or industry relevant capstones

Such as systematic reviews, stakeholder opinion, scientific writing, grant proposal, commercial/regulatory report and grand challenges

Civic and societal capstones

Featuring educational development, science in schools, public engagement, professional education, infographics and grand challenges

Why do your project at the University of Leeds?

The University of Leeds and its Faculty of Biological Sciences boasts a sector-leading portfolio of traditional research projects offered alongside science or industry-focused capstones. This includes capstone projects with a civic or societal focus.

As a faculty, we provide you with an exceptional educational experience, properly preparing you for life in the workplace. Our role is to ensure that your final year project develops not only the scientific tools and experience you may need, but also transferrable skills such as independent research, presentation and time management.

If you would like to see examples of research or capstone projects that you could undertake, please see the individual course pages that you are interested in studying.

2020 Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

Meetme - supporting personalized care for older adults with dementia.

Older adults, especially those with dementia, experience frequent transfers of care, so it is difficult for them to receive personalized care founded on personal connections with caregivers. MeetMe is a website designed to empower older adults to securely share important personality information with transient caregivers to foster a mutual understanding and support better care. MeetMe’s research-backed design process has included several phases of quantitatively analyzing structured feedback gathered directly from older adults at Schlegel Villages to ensure that our prototype meets their needs.

Team members: Tynan Sears, Mackenzie Wilson, Mikaela MacMahon

CONSTANTIAM

Constantiam is a feedback system that determines the efficiency and safety of exercise technique through the measurement and analysis of weight distribution. Consisting of force sensitive insoles, a data acquisition module, and mobile application, Constantiam provides a user with feedback on their lower body exercise characteristics such as the centre of pressure, symmetry index, and traits of poor form. Constantiam reduces the risk of exercise-related injury, alerts a user of fatigue, and determines ideal weight amounts for lifting.

Team members: Laura Ing, Olivia Lougheed, Karly Smith, and Melissa Rinch

Organ transplantation can significantly extend the life of a pediatric patient. However, the latest advances in support systems for donor hearts fail to accommodate pediatric sizes. HeartAgain aims to bridge this gap by providing state-of-the-art support to hearts ranging from neonate to adult. The system employs normothermic perfusion, a process of supplying an organ with warm oxygenated blood, to transport the heart in a beating state. Integrated biometric monitoring allows otherwise unpredictable transplants by providing real-time insight into heart viability.

Team members: Melissa Yu, Kelsea Tomaino, Cassandra Maxwell, Daphne Walford

Moneta is a cross-platform application that enables tracking and analysis of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in long-term care homes. It reduces the cognitive workload of personal support workers by streamlining the behaviour observation process. Using Moneta, trends and correlations in behavioural patterns can be quantitatively assessed through entered data. This helps healthcare professionals design interventions to avoid triggers of responsive symptoms, such as removing residents from noisy environments. The overall aim is to improve the wellbeing of individuals with dementia through non-invasive treatments.

Team members: Presish Bhattachan, Ying Quan (Amy) Qiu, Emily Kuang, Stanislava (Stacey)Ilioukhina

Children with developmental speech disorders require face-to-face sessions with speech-language pathologists. However, the long wait times for in-person consultation partnered with the lack of adherence to at-home prescribed speech exercises remain considerable pain points in the field of speech therapy. Phonologix is a mobile application that aims to help young patients with developmental functional speech disorders. Its goal is to increase compliance with clinician prescribed at-home speech exercises, monitor patient speech development, and deliver personalized feedback to facilitate the speech therapy process.

Team members: Isaac Chang, Felix Kurniawan, Ryan Yi Li, Francis Rhee

BURNAWARE: ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR CUTANEOUS LOSS OF SENSATION FROM DEEP BURN INJURIES

Individuals with deep burn injuries can experience a cutaneous loss of sensation in their hands, leading to potential exposure to harmful stimuli in their environment. BurnAware is an assistive device comprised of a wearable glove and a body-mounted alert mechanism. The glove detects tactile and temperature sensations and necessitates real-time vibratory responses upon proximal contact to noxious stimuli.

Team members: Namrata Sharma, Zhilling Zou, Christina Jean, Pavneet Singh Kapoor.

PillPals is a mobile application targeted to improve medication adherence in a young adult population through promoting self-efficacy in health outcomes. For a patient to be considered completely adherent to a prescription, they must take each dose precisely as prescribed and on time. The less adherent a patient is, the more likely it is that their treatment fails or is ineffective. PillPals utilizes an alarm system packaged with educational and analytical features to promote self-efficacy, and a graded reward system to keep patients engaged.

Team members: Christiaan Oostenbrug; Lucas Van de Mosselaer; William Harvey; Nicolas Iuorio

Retinal cameras are commonly used to diagnose and monitor sight-threatening diseases. In remote and resource constrained areas, clinical grade retinal cameras are often inaccessible which can lead to preventable blindness. Although there are some commercially available portable retinal cameras, they are often expensive or capture low quality images which are not suitable for clinical use. Perceptus aims to design a low cost, portable, smartphone based retinal camera that improves upon the quality of images obtained by existing devices.

Team members: Allison Cole, Angela Lin, Alexander MacLean, Nicole Barritt, Laurel Pilon

Ugandan midwives and nurses working in low-resource maternity wards must currently clean their surgical instruments by a manual and laborious process. Proper compliance with this process is not achieved since limited staff must always prioritize tending to a high number of patients, leading to instrument rust damage and disuse. In partnership with FullSoul, a Canadian non-profit organization equipping these wards with standardized instrument kits, MediClean has developed FullCycle. We present a simplified and integratable solution to automate the cleaning and decontamination process.

Team members: Charly Phillips, Connor Huxman, Maria Valencia, Robyn Klassen, Sam Feng

HAPTYC LABS

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is infant hip instability caused by the abnormal formation of the femoral head and acetabulum. Dislocations are very subtle for detection, and with a lack of physician training, Haptyc Labs is developing a simulator to replicate a real infant's hip to portray different DDH severities. The ultimate goal of this project is to provide physicians this physical simulator as a training module for DDH diagnosis.

Team members: Alyson Colpitts, Mariam Osman, Jan Lau, Areeb Hafiz, Noah Kunej

PHYSIOFIT (GENE)

Up to 70% of patients who undergo physiotherapy programs are non-compliant to at-home exercises. Our project aims to improve compliance to knee osteoarthritis (OA) physiotherapy through the use of IMU-based wearable units integrated with a mobile app. The solution will measure the user's exercise accuracy for certain knee OA exercises (knee flexion/extension, hip abduction/adduction, & squatting) and provide results over the course of the whole physiotherapy treatment.

Team members: Maninder Matharoo, Tilak Gupta, Emad Ahmed, Ilir Lazoja, Arjun Gupta

101 Biology Capstone Project Ideas to Get You Started

Dec 28, 2022 | 0 comments

Dec 28, 2022 | Topics | 0 comments

Are you struggling to develop a topic for your college or university biology capstone project? Look no further! Here is a list of biology capstone project ideas to get you started on your research journey. From the human body to human cloning, these ideas cover a wide range of fascinating and relevant biology topics that will spark your curiosity and inspire you to create an amazing project.

Simple biology capstone project ideas

The effects of acid rain on plant growth
The process of photosynthesis in plants
The role of the human immune system in fighting disease
The impact of environmental pollution on human health
The effects of different diets on human health
The process of human reproduction and development
The impact of climate change on animal populations
The role of genetics in the development of cancer
The effects of different exercise regimes on human health
The role of the human gut microbiome in overall health
The process of cellular respiration in animals
The effects of different types of fertilizers on plant growth
The role of DNA in the development of traits
The impact of pesticides on the environment
The effects of different types of stress on human health
The process of human digestion and the role of enzymes
The impact of pollution on marine ecosystems
The role of genetics in the development of mental disorders
The effects of different types of exercise on muscle growth
The role of hormones in the regulation of human behavior

Biology Research Paper Topics for College Students

The process of cellular division in animals and plants
The effects of different types of soil on plant growth
The role of DNA in the development of inherited diseases
The impact of deforestation on the environment
The effects of different types of drugs on the human body
The process of human respiration and the role of the respiratory system
The impact of pollution on freshwater ecosystems
The role of genetics in the development of physical traits
The effects of different types of exercise on cardiovascular health
The role of hormones in the menstrual cycle
The process of protein synthesis in cells
The effects of different types of light on plant growth
The role of DNA in the development of cancer
The impact of climate change on plant populations
The effects of different types of bacteria on human health
The process of human bone growth and development
The impact of pollution on air quality
The role of genetics in the development of personality traits
The effects of different types of exercise on weight loss
The role of hormones in the development of secondary sexual characteristics

Biology capstone project Topics for High school

The process of DNA replication in cells
The effects of different types of nutrients on plant growth
The role of DNA in the development of inherited disorders
The impact of pollution on soil quality
The effects of different types of bacteria on plant health
The process of human nerve cell development and function
The impact of climate change on animal behavior
The role of genetics in the development of behavioral traits
The effects of different types of exercise on cognitive function
The role of hormones in the regulation of appetite
The process of transcription and translation in protein synthesis
The effects of different types of herbicides on plant growth
The role of DNA in the development of physical traits
The impact of pollution on the ozone layer
The effects of different types of viruses on human health
The process of human muscle growth and development
The impact of climate change on plant physiology
The role of genetics in the development of intelligence
The effects of different types of exercise on mental health
The role of hormones in the regulation of mood

Interesting Biology capstone project ideas

The process of DNA sequencing and its applications in genetics
The effects of different types of pesticides on animal health
The role of DNA in the development of inherited traits
The impact of pollution on human respiratory health
The effects of different types of bacteria on animal health
The process of human skin cell growth and repair
The impact of climate change on animal physiology
The role of genetics in the development of allergies
The effects of different types of exercise on bone density
The role of hormones in the regulation of metabolism
The process of gene expression and regulation in cells
The effects of different types of fertilizers on animal health
The role of DNA in the development of personality traits
The impact of pollution on water quality
The effects of different types of viruses on plant health
The process of human nerve cell communication and function
The role of genetics in the development of addiction
The effects of different types of exercise on sleep quality
The role of hormones in the regulation of sleep

Best biology capstone project ideas

The process of DNA methylation and its role in gene expression
The effects of different types of herbicides on animal health
The impact of pollution on the quality of indoor air
The effects of different types of bacteria on water quality
The process of human blood cell production and function
The impact of climate change on plant ecology
The role of genetics in the development of eating disorders
The effects of different types of exercise on stress levels
The role of hormones in the regulation of stress
The process of RNA splicing and its role in gene expression
The effects of different types of pesticides on water quality
The role of DNA in the development of behavioral traits
The impact of pollution on the quality of outdoor air
The effects of different types of viruses on animal health
The process of human brain development and function
The impact of climate change on animal ecology
The role of genetics in the development of anxiety disorders
The effects of different types of exercise on memory function
The role of hormones in the regulation of memory function
The process of DNA repair and its role in maintaining genetic integrity

Need Help with Biology capstone project Writing

If you are having difficulty choosing a topic or writing your biology capstone project, you may want to consider hiring our professional writers to help you. Our writers have experience in research and writing and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the process of writing your research paper or capstone project.

Regardless of your chosen topic, it is important to remember that your biology capstone project should be engaging, informative, and well-researched. Following these guidelines can create a successful and impactful project that will impress your professors and peers.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a topic for your biology capstone project, it is important to consider each topic’s pros and cons. Some topics may be more interesting to you but may be more difficult to research or may not have as much available information. On the other hand, some topics may be easier to research but may not be as interesting or engaging. It is also important to consider whether you have the necessary resources and expertise to complete the project successfully.

With a passion for education and student empowerment, I create blog content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of students. From study hacks and productivity tips to career exploration and personal development

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An idea to explore: Interdisciplinary capstone courses in biomedical and life science education

Pauline m. ross.

1 School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown New South Wales, Australia

2 Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown New South Wales, Australia

Lucy Mercer‐Mapstone

Liana e. pozza, philip poronnik.

3 FHM MediaLab, Education Innovation, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Tina Hinton

4 Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Damien J. Field

While biomedical and life science research have embraced interdisciplinarity as the means to solving pressing 21st century complex challenges, interdisciplinarity in undergraduate education has been more difficult to implement. As a consequence, disciplinary rather than interdisciplinary capstones have become ubiquitous. Disciplinary capstones are valuable for students because they enable them to integrate knowledge and skills within the discipline, but they are also limiting because the integration is within rather than across disciplines. In contrast to a capstone, which involves a single discipline, interdisciplinary capstones require two or more disciplines to combine and integrate across disciplinary boundaries. Interdisciplinarity, where two of more disciplines come together, is difficult to implement in the biomedical and life science curricula because student majors and finances are administered in ways, which reinforce institutional organization of schools and faculties and prevent collaboration. Here in this “idea to explore” we provide an interdisciplinary capstone model where students enroll in disciplinary courses, but then these disciplinary courses and students collaborate on interdisciplinary real‐world problems. This interdisciplinary capstone model was implemented across two diverse and large biomedical and life science schools within two faculties in a research intensive, metropolitan university. This approach allows for integration of the biomedical, social and ethical perspectives required when solving problems in the real world, such as COVID‐19. Interdisciplinary learning also better prepares students for higher degree research and future careers. Overcoming disciplinary curriculum silos and faculty barriers is critical if we are to meet expectations of acquiring interdisciplinarity as a key competency.

Comparison between disciplinary and multidisciplinary silos and interdisciplinary learning to solve real world problems.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Interdisciplinary learning has increasingly been seen as necessary yet challenging to implement in undergraduate biomedical and life science education. 1 , 2 , 3 Interdisciplinarity emerged as researchers recognized that solving the complex challenges of our time, such as the spread of infectious diseases, food and water security and climate change, requires the integration of expertise and skills of several disciplines and sub disciplines and that breakthroughs often occur at these intersections. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 This has been brought into sharp focus with the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Interdisciplinarity has been defined when two or more disciplines combine and interact across disciplinary boundaries to solve a problem, creating a solution that cannot be produced by one discipline alone. Boix Mansilla 9 described it as “the capacity to integrate knowledge and modes of thinking in two or more disciplines to produce a cognitive advancement, for example, explaining a phenomenon, solving a problem, creating a product, raising a new question in ways that would have been unlikely through single disciplinary means” (Boix Mansilla, p.4). Tripp and Shortlidge 3 defined it “… as the collaborative process of integrating knowledge/expertise from trained individuals of two or more disciplines leveraging various perspectives, approaches and research methods/methodologies to provide advancement beyond the scope of one discipline's ability”. 2 , 3 , 9

Interdisciplinarity has been more difficult to implement in undergraduate education than in research because student discipline concentrations and finances administered by schools and faculties reinforce organization structures and prevent collaboration. As a consequence, disciplinary rather than interdisciplinary capstones have become ubiquitous. Capstone experiences, often termed ‘culminating experiences’, have become popular in a wide range of undergraduate degrees because they provide opportunities for students to connect and integrate knowledge and skills of the biomedical and life science disciplines, attain graduate qualities, and transition into professional pathways and employment. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 While disciplinary capstones are valuable, they are also limiting because the integration is within rather than across disciplines. In contrast, interdisciplinary capstone courses integrate content within and outside the biomedical and life science disciplines and provide opportunities for students to use their disciplinary knowledge to solve real problems that dominate life after university. 14 Creating true interdisciplinary capstone experiences requires faculty and students from two or more disciplines across faculties and schools to merge and collaborate.

In this article we describe a curriculum model for implementing interdisciplinary final year capstone experience in biomedical and life science undergraduate education where students from different disciplinary backgrounds come together to work in interdisciplinary teams to solve 21st century problems. To do this we first describe the history of the emergence of interdisciplinarity. Second, we critically analyze interdisciplinary capstones which have so far been implemented. Finally, we describe a capstone model of interdisciplinary learning and assessment and the challenges faced in design and implementation and thfor interest present some preliminary comments from students.

1.1. History of the emergence of interdisciplinarity

Interdisciplinary approaches to biology research and education emerged when the report ‘BIO2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists’ 7 recommended embedding interdisciplinary learning into the biology undergraduate curriculum. This was subsequently supported by a series of publications and the National Research Council (NRC) in its 2009 publication of “ A New Biology for the Twenty‐First Century ”. 8 , 15 , 16 , 17 It was the Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education statement, 17 however, which consolidated and advanced the importance of biological concepts being applied to real world problems. 18 AAAS 17 identified the interdisciplinary nature of science as a core competency for students. For example, the management of habitats such as coral reefs and diseases such as COVID‐19 requires the consideration of biomedical, biological, political, economic, sociological, and ethical dimensions. 19

Interdisciplinary learning, through complex problem solving, was seen as a way for undergraduate students to use their disciplinary knowledge in real world contexts, allowing them to become aware of disciplinary affordances and limitations and to be much better prepared for the workplace. 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 Interdisciplinary experiences develop complex problem solving, collaborative, and transferrable skills. 22 , 25 , 26 Moreover, DeZure 25 described a comprehensive set of benefits of interdisciplinary learning, emphasizing the dynamic changes which occur in knowledge construction when disciplinary boundaries are crossed and the shift in perspectives when integration of disciplines occurs to solve pressing social and scientific challenges.

1.2. Approaches to interdisciplinarity

Approaches to interdisciplinary education vary widely (Table 1 ). Table 1 provides a summary of recent curriculum designs of interdisciplinary capstones, including a description of the design, the degree of interdisciplinary integration and collaboration and the pedagogy used. The degree of integration in interdisciplinary capstones has ranged from traditional (students from the same discipline taking on roles) to overlapping and fully integrated (students working in mixed interdisciplinary groups). Most commonly interdisciplinary learning is organized around students collaborating in project groups to solve a real‐world problem (e.g., References [22, 24, 26, 27]) where students take on different disciplinary roles (e.g., References [ 22 , 23 , 28 ], Table 1 ).

Summary of recent studies on interdisciplinary capstones, including a description of the design, the degree of interdisciplinary integration and collaboration and the pedagogy used

Note : Degree of integration ranged from traditional (students from the same discipline taking on roles) to overlapping and fully integrated (students working in mixed interdisciplinary groups).

Interdisciplinary learning is less frequently organized around students with different disciplinary backgrounds working together in authentic interdisciplinary teams taught by interdisciplinary faculty (e.g., References [ 20 , 26 , 29 ], Table 1 ). Pedagogies are generally active learning approaches 2 , 22 , 23 , 26 , 29 , 30 such as problem solving, 27 , 28 project work, 24 , 27 case studies, 22 , 26 technology and demonstrations with guest lectures 26 , 29 and constructivism. 20

To guide interdisciplinary learning, frameworks such as the Interdisciplinary Science Framework (IDSF) have been created through conversations with researchers. 3 The IDSF provides a set of ingredients essential to interdisciplinary learning, including a basic understanding of disciplines (disciplinary grounding), how disciplines integrate (advancement through integration), the use of different disciplinary research methods, and collaboration across disciplines. Assessment frameworks from Boix Mansilla et al. 31 which outline criteria and standards that can be shared with students and faculties also answer questions on how to measure the performance of students in interdisciplinary learning.

Despite interdisciplinary learning now being at the leading edge of biomedical and life sciences undergraduate education, barriers remain in its implementation. 3 , 7 , 8 , 15 , 17 , 32 This is in part because universities reinforce disciplinary boundaries in both research and education, 3 but also because many biomedical and life science faculty are ill equipped to teach interdisciplinary skills. Departments mostly seek, hire, and promote faculty who are experts in their discipline with an academic identity and allegiances to disciplines being formed during undergraduate studies and cemented during PhD and postdoctoral training. 3 , 33 Undergraduate biomedical and life sciences curricula induct students into their discipline in the same way as their faculty teachers—through a narrowing of disciplinary focus and expertise over the course of degree. This means that students are often unfamiliar and ill‐equipped, and not sufficiently supported, to apply their disciplinary knowledge in interdisciplinary settings. If we are to meet the challenge of developing students' competency in interdisciplinarity then we need to go beyond students assuming hypothetical disciplinary roles and create models which bring together students from different disciplinary backgrounds to solve real‐world problems.

1.3. Interdisciplinary capstone model and challenges

We created and embedded a curriculum model of interdisciplinarity in each science concentration in a Faculty of Science. We defined “concentration” as a specific area or field of study within the broad field of life and medical science i.e. genetics and physiology. In our situation in Australia, the word “major” is used to encompass both broad and more narrower areas of study i.e. is inclusive of genetics, physiology, biology or medical science. We used the term concentration because it is a term more commonly used in curriculum across higher education. To create an interdisciplinary capstone course in the junior or final year of medical and life science degree, each concentration formed a partnership with at least one or more other concentration to form an interdisciplinary capstone. Thus, combined capstones effectively had students from at least two concentrations or two distinct disciplines (Figure 1 ). Figure 1 provides a conceptualisation of the degree of interdisciplinary integration from a traditional siloed model to an overlapping model where there is both disciplinary content and areas of interdisciplinarity or cross over among cohorts, to a fully integrated model. For example, an interdisciplinary capstone in biochemistry and molecular biology formed a two‐way partnership with mathematics concentrations while infectious diseases formed a three‐way partnership with biology and history and philosophy concentrations (i.e., overlapping model in Figure 1 ). Partnerships between and among courses were required to have at least 50% disciplinary and 50% interdisciplinary content and activities. Most adopted the overlapping model whereby two or three capstone courses combined for a team‐based interdisciplinary project for 50% and maintained 50% discipline‐specific content for cohorts separately (Figure 1 , A and B or A, B and C courses combined). Less frequently adopted was an integrated model where capstones effectively became one coherent interdisciplinary capstone where interdisciplinary content was dominant (Figure 1 ). Initially the overall model of interdisciplinarity for the curriculum was written and described by presidents in vision statements, created in policy by senior leaders and then designed and realized by staff in faculties and at the coal face (Figure 2 ). Figure 2 provides a conceptualisation between the degree of interdisciplinary integration as experienced by the student and the agents involved in the design and implementation including academics and senior leaders in the institution.

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Degree of interdisciplinary integration

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Degree of interdisciplinary integration and actors involved in the implementation including academics and senior leaders in the institution

Some course partnerships were formed between concentrations to accommodate certain restrictions such as cohort size disparity. The variation in cohort size between courses (ranging from less than five to over 300) was the result of students' preferences for particular concentrations. The disparity of student class sizes was resolved by either merging concentrations where there were small student cohorts or diversifying projects, where there were large student cohorts in concentrations. For example, small student numbers in two concentrations of, similar disciplines, such as food and nutrition, were often merged to act as one concentration to partner with a second distinct concentration such as statistics. Where there were large student cohorts, multiple partnerships were formed, working on a diversity of projects. Having comparable cohort sizes within partnerships was desirable, so that the formation of student groups with representatives of each of the disciplines could occur.

Further, as interdisciplinary courses were required for each concentration, students taking concentrations of both biology and genetics could be affected by the partnership approach. Students taking two concentrations, or two majors, were required to complete two interdisciplinary courses, so long as these courses were not in the same partnership. To ensure that these students were not affected, extensive cross‐checking of enrolments by concentration pathways had to be undertaken. For those students who found themselves requiring both interdisciplinary courses for concentrations which had partnered, other options (offered centrally by the university) were counted as an interdisciplinary experience for one of these concentrations.

This interdisciplinary capstone model was more authentic than other interdisciplinary curriculum models because students represented the discipline of their concentration, rather than taking on a role of a discipline. It also overcame administration and financial challenges. Given that student fees routinely follow the disciplinary or concentration pathways of student choice, constructing interdisciplinary capstones within concentrations meant that student enrolments and fees still went to the department or faculty within which the student was enrolled, which solved the problem of competition for students and funding.

Administering combined cohorts from different capstones which would normally have separate CANVAS Learning Management System (LMS) sites was solved by a single LMS which enrolled students from all partnered course cohorts. This single LMS was a place where students and staff were able to source all the information and materials related to the interdisciplinary aspects of the course. On this site, there was clear signposting of discipline‐specific and interdisciplinary content and assessment (Figure 3 ). This has the added benefit of enabling students to see all the discipline content across courses, should they be interested in or wish to understand different disciplinary perspectives on their projects.

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CANVAS LMS interdisciplinary site for biology, genetics and history and philosophy of science—a three way partnership

While faculty were willing to cross disciplinary boundaries to do interdisciplinary research, some were reluctant to cross the same disciplinary boundaries to do interdisciplinary teaching. First, faculty expressed anxiety about their inexperience in teaching and supporting students to develop the skills required for interdisciplinary work. Other studies have found that faculty may be reluctant to teach interdisciplinarity believing learning disciplinary knowledge and skills are sufficient. 34 Solutions to this included a sustained program of support and academic professional development. Second, faculty also expressed anxiety about the ‘watering down’ of discipline concentration content. Typical complaints included “shouldn't final‐year capstones be focused solely on discipline‐specific research?”, aligning with the Kift et al. 12 narrowed ‘mountain‐top’ conceptualization of capstone subjects which has historically been popular. To address these concerns, a consensus was reached where the minimum of interdisciplinary learning was set at 50% reflecting the overlapping model of integration and the other 50% being disciplinary content. Many courses did opt to increase the interdisciplinary proportion and did so predominantly by designing a more fully integrated delivery of disciplinary and interdisciplinary aspects (Figure 1 ). This ensured, as intended, that the concentration content acted as a foundation upon which to build and apply skills in interdisciplinary contexts, teams, and problems.

Assessment was, as expected in an assessment‐driven curriculum, the place where the largest number of issues weras raised. Other studies have found that assessment of interdisciplinary learning commonly involves group outputs such as management plans and grant proposals, developed through multiple stages of drafting and feedback, 20 , 23 often accompanied by individual reflection statements. 20 , 27 , 28 Assessment associated with the interdisciplinary component of the capstones—a large interdisciplinary project – was aligned and shared between partnered courses (Table 2 ). We designed from the outset that the assessment in these interdisciplinary capstone courses be aligned so that the learning outcomes of interdisciplinary projects were validly evaluated. This also had the effect of team members being accountable to one another – as in any project‐based work environment.

Shared assessment scheme adopted across interdisciplinary courses

Note : Mostly this was 50%:50% disciplinary and interdisciplinary content for both individual and group work.

The usual concerns were consequently raised regarding how to grade a student's ‘true’ abilities given a high proportion of group work. The perception existed that group work problematically results in historically lower‐performing students receiving higher marks when working with historically higher‐performing students. Assessment was organized so that there was a minimum of 50% individually assessed tasks and 50% group work and most commonly a 50%:50% disciplinary to interdisciplinary break down, although this could be varied depending on the approach and although rare, there was flexibility to increase the interdisciplinary assessment component (see Table 2 ). Peer evaluations were used to assess group members, introducing an additional level of transparency and accountability around group marks occurred and sometimes was used to moderate the project, group report (Table 2 ).

Other courses within our institution which have a high proportion of group work have shown a trend towards students receiving a higher course mark than their personal average, potentially resulting in such courses being perceived as ‘an easy option’ by both staff and students. At this stage, however, those perceptions seem to be unfounded, based on a well‐designed curriculum to discourage such effects, and cannot with any certainty be causally linked to group work. It may instead be that the courses are designed using best practice evidence‐based approaches which allow space for a greater number of students to achieve at a higher standard, relative to other more traditional modes of teaching in science. Only time and more research will tell.

Some issues arose when some coordinators treated the 50% interdisciplinary and disciplinary concentrations streams of the courses as entirely separate when it came to assessment – rather than using one to support the other. Additional assessment burden could occur if coordinators broke up the disciplinary content and assessment into small components. For example, there were sometimes requests to break up the disciplinary exam into multiple, smaller quizzes. Most of these requests were unsuccessful, because there was a formal approval processes in place for assessment changes at both school and faculty levels and policies to prevent over assessing, through multiple low value tasks. Examples of such an integrated assessment scheme included coordinators using the disciplinary tasks to get students to conduct literature reviews on their own disciplinary area relevant to the interdisciplinary project, hence preparing them to contribute to their group's interdisciplinary research project. Most studies report positive student feedback on assessment in interdisciplinary learning. 22 , 26 Negative student feedback on interdisciplinary learning is more often related to students seeking more guidance from staff 24 and frustrations when communication and technology breakdown occurs. 26 , 28

It is possible, as has been found by other studies, to identify criteria to measure interdisciplinary competency. 3 , 31 These criteria include disciplinary understanding, integration, perspective taking and collaboration. The interdisciplinary competence of students in this study was assessed through their group project work and individual reflection (Table 2 ). Project work by students working in groups accounted for 50% of the assessment, including a reflective statement. Reflective statements feature strongly as assessment components in interdisciplinary capstone courses. 20 Literature on the assessment of student progress towards interdisciplinary competency is voluminous. 35 Rubrics to assess interdisciplinary learning are abundant in the literature, however, these are only useful if they are clearly understood by both students and faculty. Common themes in the literature include the capacity of students to integrate and make connections across disciplines, identify differences in disciplinary perspectives and work in groups where assessment includes both self and peer assessment. 25 To assess performance standards of interdisciplinarity we created, based on the literature, an interdisciplinary rubric (Table 3 ) which we attempted to implement. Interdisciplinary capacity can be described by performance standards using scalable verbs of what students do or how often a student demonstrates a skill (Table 3 ). It was much more straightforward to assess disciplinary content through assessment types such as exams, and written statements of project problems from a disciplinary perspective (Table 2 ) rather than interdisciplinary effectiveness which is a combination of integration, perspective taking and collaboration (Table 3 ).

Rubric which describes competency in interdisciplinarity using four criteria and standards of attainment of the criterion of integration in terms using scalable verbs which articulate what students do and how often a student demonstrates the described verb

Source : Based on Boix Mansila et al. 3

2. DISCUSSION

If students are to develop interdisciplinarity, then there needs to be curriculum designs which enable authentic integration of different disciplinary perspectives. The interdisciplinary capstone model we describe here enables students from different disciplinary backgrounds to integrate disciplinary understandings and skills to solve interdisciplinary problems. The unique feature of this model of interdisciplinary capstone courses in this idea to explore provide a description of “how” students from different disciplinary backgrounds and majors can be brought together in ways which are similar to what occurs in interdisciplinary research teams and in the workplace. Other approaches to interdisciplinary learning which have students from only one discipline take on roles of other disciplines, achieve limited authenticity, 3 , 20 (Table 1 ). This contrasts with more authentic examples of curriculum models in courses 36 and as immersive and intensive challenges. 37 Authentic integration of disciplines as described in this interdisciplinary capstone model brings together students and faculty from different disciplines or concentrations who have not previously interacted or collaborated on teaching or research. The key point of difference in this design and model of interdisciplinary capstone courses is that the students are representing different disciplines. This makes the design more authentic. It is then the interactions between students to solve problems, which creates integration and interdisciplinarity. In this way it aligns with the definition of Boix Mansilla (p.4) 9 who described interdisciplinarity as “the capacity to integrate knowledge and modes of thinking in two or more disciplines to produce a cognitive advancement e.g., explaining a phenomenon, solving a problem, creating a product, raising a new question in ways that would have been unlikely through single disciplinary means”.

This is not, however, the only curriculum model for interdisciplinary learning. For example, Princeton's Integrated Science program, has a shared governance structure among faculties and departments thus seeking to overcome disciplinary silos. The National Experiment in Undergraduate Science Education (NEXUS) project similarly sought to better prepare pre‐medical students through the provision of a broader and more interdisciplinary curriculum. 29 The project was a collaboration between four universities in the United States and focused on the development of modules integrating biological, chemical, physical, and mathematical sciences. To ensure the project came to fruition and maintained its focus, numerous levels of organization were established including a steering committee comprised of members of each participating university and an advisory board linked to broader stakeholders.

It is also important to acknowledge that Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) where students work on original research problems have similarities and differences with this interdisciplinary model described here. CUREs, like interdisciplinary capstone courses aim to develop students critical thinking and problem‐solving skills. 38 , 39 In addition to these skills, and unlike CUREs, interdisciplinary capstone courses are focused on bringing together students and staff in concentrations who would not normally work together, including in some instances the disciplines of social sciences, mathematics and philosophy.

As others have found, interdisciplinary learning is easier to imagine than implement. 20 The success of these interdisciplinary capstones was strengthened because there was institutional support from senior leaders of the university and faculty and interdisciplinary effectiveness was identified as a core graduate quality (Figure 2 ). A central education committee with representatives from all departments and faculties oversaw the process of design, approval and delivery. To co‐ordinate the implementation of the interdisciplinary capstone courses, a central faculty‐based staff member was also appointed who had mixed skill sets in science, interdisciplinary research, and education. The role of this staff member was to assist faculty to form partnerships between distinctly different science disciplines to ensure a truly interdisciplinary experience and to support and oversee the coherent implementation of the interdisciplinary capstone model. These interdisciplinary courses were supported and sustainable even through the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Although evaluation is still at the early stages, student evaluations of the units provide evidence that students have developed interdisciplinarity. For example, non‐solicited student responses commented on the benefits to work with students from other disciplines:

“The chance to work with other people in different disciplines has really helped me understand the concept of interdisciplinary group work and what some of the challenges may be with this” and “being able to work closely with my group was rewarding and challenged me to learn with an interdisciplinary mindset”.

“I developed my ability to work effectively with others studying in a different field(s) from me”.

Finally, the interdisciplinary capstone model described here resolved challenges and connected students in concentrations across a broad set of medical and life sciences to build the capacity of both students and staff to develop interdisciplinarity as a key competency. This approach allows for integration of the biomedical, social and ethical perspectives required when solving problems in the real world, such as COVID‐19. Interdisciplinary learning also better prepares students for higher degree research and future careers. Overcoming disciplinary curriculum silos and faculty barriers is critical if we are to meet expectations of acquiring interdisciplinarity as a key competency.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank the course coordinators and educational design team during the development of this curriculum model, including Dr Thomas Jephcott. We also thank Dr. Vicky Tzioumis for her suggestions on this manuscript. This study was covered by the University of Sydney Human Ethics Approval 2020/455 project title “Evaluating the Faculty of Science Interdisciplinary Project‐Based Capstone Units.”

Open access publishing facilitated by The University of Sydney, as part of the Wiley ‐ The University of Sydney agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.

Ross PM, Mercer‐Mapstone L, Pozza LE, Poronnik P, Hinton T, Field DJ. An idea to explore: Interdisciplinary capstone courses in biomedical and life science education . Biochem Mol Biol Educ . 2022; 50 ( 6 ):649–660. 10.1002/bmb.21673 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

271+ Most Creative Capstone Project Ideas for Students

Looking for the most creative Capstone project ideas? That provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained throughout their studies to real-world challenges.

If yes, these capstone projects often demand creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. If you’re a student seeking inspiration for your capstone project or an educator looking to suggest ideas, we’ve compiled a list of 271+ creative capstone project ideas across various fields of study.

You can use these simple capstone project ideas to get more creative and make your overall creativity more good.

what is a capstone project

Table of Contents

A capstone project ideas is an academic undertaking, typically completed in the final year of a program, where students integrate and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies. It serves as a culmination of their educational journey, requiring students to tackle complex real-world problems or challenges within their field of study.

These projects often involve independent research, creativity, or practical application of concepts and theories. Capstone projects vary in format, which may include research papers, creative works, software development, engineering prototypes, business plans, and more. Students are typically evaluated on their ability to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, critical thinking skills, and effective communication of their findings.

Successful completion of capstone project ideas can serve as a testament to a student’s readiness for employment or further academic pursuits, making it a significant component of their educational experience.

how to do a capstone project

These steps will help you to make the best capstone project, let’s follow them.

Select a Topic : Choose a specific and relevant project topic that aligns with your field of study and interests.
Define Objectives : Clearly outline the goals and objectives you aim to achieve through your capstone project.
Research and Literature Review : Conduct thorough research and review relevant literature to inform your project.
Develop a Plan : Create a detailed project plan, including timelines, tasks, and resource requirements.
Execute the Project : Implement your plan by conducting experiments, collecting data, or completing the creative work, depending on your project type.
Analyze and Evaluate : Analyze the data or outcomes and evaluate your project’s success in meeting its objectives.
Communicate Results : Present your findings or project outcomes through a written report, presentation, or creative display, emphasizing the significance of your work and its contribution to your field.

Most Creative Capstone Project Ideas for Students

These are the following great capstone project ideas are given below for every field student.

Engineering and Technology Capstone Project Ideas

Solar-Powered Water Desalination System : Design a sustainable solution to convert seawater into freshwater using solar energy.
Autonomous Drone for Environmental Monitoring : Develop a drone equipped with sensors to monitor air and water quality, wildlife, or deforestation.
Smart Traffic Management System : Create an AI-driven traffic management system that optimizes traffic flow and reduces congestion.
Robotic Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation : Design a wearable exoskeleton to assist patients with mobility impairments during rehabilitation.
Energy-Efficient Home Automation : Build a home automation system that optimizes energy usage, reducing electricity bills and carbon footprint.
3D Printing in Medicine : Investigate and create 3D-printed medical devices or prosthetics customized to patients’ needs.
Autonomous Agricultural Robot : Develop a robot capable of autonomously planting, monitoring, and harvesting crops.
Drone-Based Firefighting : Design a drone system to aid in firefighting efforts, including fire detection and containment.
Smart Wearables for Healthcare : Create wearable devices that monitor health parameters and provide real-time feedback to users and healthcare providers.
Virtual Reality Therapy : Develop immersive virtual reality environments for therapy and rehabilitation purposes.

Capstone Project Ideas For Computer Science and Software Development

AI-Powered Personal Assistant : Build an intelligent personal assistant capable of managing tasks, and schedules, and providing personalized recommendations.
Natural Language Processing Chatbot : Create a chatbot using NLP techniques for customer support, information retrieval, or language learning.
Blockchain-Based Voting System : Develop a secure and transparent voting system using blockchain technology.
Predictive Analytics for Disease Outbreaks : Create a predictive model to forecast disease outbreaks based on historical data and environmental factors.
Augmented Reality Educational Apps : Design AR applications to enhance classroom learning experiences.
E-commerce Recommendation Engine : Build a recommendation system that suggests products to users based on their preferences and browsing behavior.
Social Media Sentiment Analysis : Develop a tool for sentiment analysis on social media data to gauge public opinion on various topics.
Cybersecurity Solutions : Design and implement cybersecurity tools or protocols to protect data and networks from cyber threats.
AI-Generated Art : Explore the intersection of art and AI by generating creative artworks using neural networks.
Video Game Development : Create an original video game, from concept to playable prototype.

Business and Entrepreneurship Capstone Project Ideas

Market Entry Strategy for a New Product : Analyze market trends and competition to develop an effective strategy for introducing a new product or service.
Small Business Sustainability Plan : Develop a sustainability plan for a small business, focusing on reducing environmental impact and increasing profitability.
Impact Investing Portfolio : Build a portfolio of impact investments, evaluating financial returns alongside social and environmental impact.
E-commerce Business Optimization : Optimize an e-commerce business by improving website design , user experience, and marketing strategies.
Startup Incubator : Establish a startup incubator program to support and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in your community.
Financial Literacy App : Create an educational app to improve financial literacy among young adults.
Marketplace for Local Artisans : Develop an online platform to connect local artisans with customers interested in handmade products.
Sustainable Tourism Initiative : Design a sustainable tourism program that preserves natural and cultural resources while boosting local economies.
Food Delivery Service Optimization : Optimize food delivery services by reducing delivery times, costs, and environmental impact.
Green Supply Chain Management : Develop a sustainable supply chain management strategy for a company to reduce waste and emissions.

Capstone Project Ideas In Health and Medicine

Telemedicine Platform : Create a telemedicine platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for remote consultations.
Medical Record Blockchain : Implement a blockchain-based system for secure and interoperable medical records.
Personalized Nutrition App : Develop an app that offers personalized dietary recommendations based on users’ health data and goals.
Mental Health Chat Support : Build an AI-driven chat support system for individuals seeking mental health assistance.
Medical Imaging AI : Train AI algorithms to assist radiologists in diagnosing medical conditions from imaging data.
Healthcare Data Analytics : Analyze healthcare data to identify trends, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Health Monitoring Wearables : Design wearable devices that continuously monitor health parameters and provide real-time alerts.
Biodegradable Medical Implants : Create biodegradable medical implants that reduce the need for additional surgeries.
Nutraceutical Product Development : Develop innovative nutraceutical products with health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
AI-Enhanced Drug Discovery : Use AI algorithms to accelerate drug discovery and development processes.

Environmental Science and Sustainability Capstone Projects

Plastic Waste Reduction : Develop a solution to reduce plastic waste in oceans, rivers, or landfills.
Carbon Footprint Tracker : Create an app that helps individuals and businesses track and reduce their carbon footprint.
Renewable Energy Optimization : Optimize the efficiency and output of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Eco-Friendly Design : Design sustainable and biodegradable packaging design solutions for consumer products.
Urban Green Spaces : Plan and implement green spaces within urban areas to improve air quality and biodiversity.
Water Quality Monitoring System : Build a system that continuously monitors water quality in lakes, rivers, or reservoirs.
Waste-to-Energy Conversion : Develop technologies to convert organic waste into renewable energy sources.
Community Recycling Initiatives : Create a community-based recycling program to encourage responsible waste disposal.
Climate Change Education Platform : Build an educational platform to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts.
Bee Conservation : Develop strategies and technologies to support bee populations and pollination efforts.

topics for the capstone project In Social Sciences and Psychology

Online Mental Health Support Community : Create an online platform where individuals can connect and provide emotional support to others.
Behavioral Economics Study : Conduct experiments and research on how cognitive biases influence decision-making.
Criminal Justice Reform Proposal : Develop a comprehensive proposal for criminal justice reform, addressing issues such as mass incarceration and police brutality.
Homelessness Intervention Program : Design an intervention program to provide housing and support for homeless individuals.
Youth Empowerment Workshops : Organize workshops and mentoring programs to empower disadvantaged youth.
Cultural Heritage Preservation : Digitize and preserve cultural heritage through virtual museums and interactive exhibits.
Domestic Violence Prevention : Create educational materials and campaigns to prevent domestic violence and support survivors.
Human Rights Advocacy : Develop advocacy campaigns and platforms to raise awareness of human rights violations.
Community Policing Initiatives : Implement community policing strategies to improve police-community relations.
Elderly Care and Isolation Reduction : Develop programs and technologies to reduce social isolation among the elderly.

Capstone Project Ideas For High School

Online Language Learning Platform : Build an interactive platform for learning languages through gamification and AI-driven lessons.
STEM Education for Underprivileged Youth : Create STEM education programs for underserved communities to bridge the educational gap.
EdTech Assessment Tools : Develop tools for educators to assess and track student progress effectively.
Virtual Science Labs : Create virtual labs that allow students to conduct experiments and explore scientific concepts remotely.
Digital Storytelling for Education : Design a platform that enables students and teachers to create interactive digital stories for learning.
Interactive History Lessons : Develop immersive historical experiences through augmented or virtual reality.
Financial Literacy Curriculum : Create a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum for high school students.
Inclusive Educational Games : Design educational games that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
Teacher Professional Development Platform : Build a platform that offers ongoing professional development resources for educators.
Peer Tutoring Network : Establish a peer tutoring network where students can help each other in various subjects.

Art and Design Capstone Project Ideas

Interactive Art Installations : Create interactive art installations that engage viewers and explore societal themes.
Artificial Intelligence in Art : Explore the use of AI in generating, enhancing, or critiquing art.
Wearable Art : Design wearable art pieces that incorporate technology or unconventional materials.
Virtual Art Gallery : Create a virtual platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with a global audience.
Sustainable Fashion Collection : Design a sustainable fashion collection using eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.
Digital Sculpture : Explore digital sculpting techniques and create 3D printed sculptures.
Community Murals : Collaborate with a community to create public art murals that reflect its identity and values.
Art Therapy Workshops : Organize art therapy workshops for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Animated Short Film : Produce an animated short film that conveys a powerful message or story.
Interactive Graphic Novels : Combine storytelling and interactivity in the form of digital graphic novels.

Capstone Project Ideas For Media and Communication

Podcast Series on Social Issues : Create a podcast series that explores and discusses pressing social issues.
Documentary on Cultural Heritage : Produce a documentary film highlighting the cultural heritage of a specific region or community.
Virtual Reality Journalism : Use VR technology to deliver immersive news stories and experiences.
Youth Empowerment Magazine : Launch a magazine dedicated to empowering and showcasing the talents of young individuals.
Interactive Web Series : Develop an interactive web series where viewers can influence the storyline’s direction.
Local News Aggregator App : Create an app that aggregates local news sources for easy access and community engagement.
Digital Marketing Campaign : Plan and execute a digital marketing campaign for a nonprofit organization or local business.
Social Media Analytics Tool : Build a tool that provides insights into social media trends and engagement metrics.
Multilingual Translation Service : Create a platform that offers real-time multilingual translation services for video content.
Sci-Fi Audio Drama : Produce a science fiction audio drama series with immersive soundscapes and storytelling.

Agriculture & Food Science Capstone Project Ideas

Precision Agriculture Solutions : Develop technology and systems for precision farming to optimize crop yields.
Food Traceability Platform : Create a blockchain-based platform for tracking the origin and journey of food products.
Urban Vertical Farming : Design vertical farming systems for urban environments to promote local food production.
Aquaponics Farming : Build an aquaponics system that combines fish farming with hydroponics for sustainable food production.
Food Waste Reduction App : Develop an app that connects consumers with surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores .
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives : Create innovative plant-based meat substitutes using novel ingredients and technologies.
Smart Greenhouses : Design automated greenhouses with sensors and AI for optimal crop growth.
Farm-to-Table Delivery Service : Establish a farm-to-table delivery service that connects consumers with local producers.
Food Allergen Detection : Develop a portable device for detecting food allergens in real-time.
Edible Insect Farming : Explore the feasibility of farming edible insects as a sustainable protein source.

Capstone Project Ideas For Architecture and Urban Planning

Sustainable Housing Designs : Create architectural designs for eco-friendly and energy-efficient housing solutions.
Public Space Redesign : Transform public spaces to improve accessibility, aesthetics, and functionality.
Historical Building Restoration : Restore and preserve historical buildings while making them suitable for modern use.
Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure : Design infrastructure and buildings that can withstand natural disasters.
Affordable Housing Models : Develop innovative housing models to address affordable housing shortages in urban areas.
Smart City Initiatives : Plan and implement smart city projects that enhance urban living through technology.
Urban Mobility Solutions : Propose solutions to improve transportation and reduce traffic congestion in urban areas.
Green Building Certification : Create a certification program for environmentally friendly construction practices.
Community Garden Spaces : Design community gardens that promote urban agriculture and community engagement.
Accessible Playgrounds : Create inclusive playgrounds designed for children of all abilities.

Music and Performing Arts Capstone Project Ideas

Virtual Choir Performance : Coordinate and produce a virtual choir performance with participants from around the world.
Music Therapy Program : Develop a music therapy program for individuals with cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges.
Interactive Dance Performance : Create an interactive dance performance where the audience’s participation influences the choreography.
Music Production Software : Design user-friendly software for music producers and musicians.
Digital Artistic Collaborations : Collaborate with artists from different disciplines to create multimedia performances.
Music Education App : Create an app that teaches music theory, composition, and instrument skills in an engaging way.
Soundscapes for Healing : Design soothing soundscapes and environments for healthcare facilities and relaxation.
Theatrical Set Design : Create innovative set designs for theater productions that challenge traditional norms.
Film Score Composition : Compose original film scores that enhance storytelling and emotional impact.
Street Art and Performance Festival : Organize a festival that celebrates street art, music, and live performances.

Capstone Project Ideas For Science and Astronomy

Astrophotography Project : Capture and analyze stunning astronomical images using telescopes and cameras.
Satellite Tracking Software : Develop software to track and predict the movements of satellites in Earth’s orbit.
Space Colonization Simulation : Create a realistic simulation of a space colony, considering life support systems and sustainability.
Citizen Science Initiative : Organize a project that encourages citizen scientists to contribute to scientific research.
Mars Rover Simulation : Build a functional Mars rover prototype capable of navigating challenging terrain.
Astronomy Education Planetarium : Establish a portable planetarium for educational outreach in schools and communities.
Ocean Exploration Robot : Design a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) for deep-sea exploration.
Microgravity Experiments : Plan and execute experiments to investigate the effects of microgravity on various organisms and materials.
Weather Prediction AI : Develop an AI system for more accurate and timely weather predictions.
Interactive Science Museum Exhibit : Create an interactive exhibit that explains complex scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.

best Capstone Project Ideas For Sports and Fitness

Virtual Reality Sports Training : Develop VR simulations for sports training, enhancing skills and strategy.
Sports Injury Prevention App : Create an app that helps athletes prevent injuries through personalized workouts and assessments.
Sports Analytics Platform : Build a platform that provides in-depth analytics for improving team performance.
Fitness Gamification : Design fitness games that motivate users to stay active and achieve their fitness goals.
Accessible Sports Equipment : Create adaptive sports equipment to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in sports.
Sports Nutrition App : Develop an app that offers personalized nutrition plans for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
E-sports Tournament Organizer : Organize and host e-sports tournaments for popular online games.
Athlete Mental Health Support : Create a platform that offers mental health resources and support for athletes.
Sports Event Management System : Design a comprehensive system for managing and promoting sports events.
Sports Rehabilitation Tools : Develop innovative tools and devices for sports injury rehabilitation.

Great Capstone Projects For Psychology and Neuroscience

Neurofeedback Training App : Create an app that provides neurofeedback training to improve cognitive functions and mental well-being.
Memory Enhancement Game : Develop a game or app that enhances memory and cognitive skills.
Stress Management App : Design an app that offers stress-reduction techniques, meditation, and relaxation exercises.
Neuromarketing Research : Conduct neuromarketing studies to understand consumer behavior and preferences.
Cognitive Rehabilitation Tools : Create tools and exercises to aid in the cognitive rehabilitation of individuals with brain injuries.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy : Use VR technology to treat phobias, PTSD, and anxiety disorders through exposure therapy.
Mindfulness and Meditation Platform : Build a platform that promotes mindfulness and meditation practices.
Sleep Quality Monitoring Device : Develop a wearable device that monitors and improves sleep quality.
Emotion Recognition Software : Create software that accurately recognizes and analyzes human emotions from facial expressions.
Childhood Development Program : Design an early childhood development program that enhances cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Capstone Project Ideas For Robotics and Automation

Humanoid Robot Assistant : Build a humanoid robot capable of assisting humans in daily tasks.
Robotics in Agriculture : Create robots for planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops in agricultural settings.
Autonomous Delivery Vehicles : Develop self-driving vehicles for last-mile delivery of goods and packages.
Robotics for Disaster Response : Design robots that can assist in search and rescue operations during natural disasters.
Telepresence Robot : Build a telepresence robot for remote communication and interaction.
Robotic Prosthetics : Develop advanced robotic prosthetic limbs with natural movement and sensory feedback.
Underwater Exploration Robot : Create a remotely operated underwater robot for exploring deep-sea environments.
Robotic Pet Companions : Design robots that provide companionship and support for individuals with disabilities or loneliness.
AI-Powered Cleaning Robot : Build a smart cleaning robot that autonomously cleans homes or offices.
Robotics Education Kits : Develop educational kits for teaching robotics and programming to students of all ages.

Interesting Capstone Project Ideas For Mathematics and Statistics

Math Learning Game : Create an interactive game that makes learning mathematics fun and engaging for students.
Statistical Analysis Software : Develop user-friendly software for statistical analysis and data visualization.
Mathematical Modeling for Epidemiology : Build models to predict disease spread and evaluate intervention strategies.
Cryptocurrency Price Prediction : Develop AI algorithms to predict cryptocurrency price movements.
Interactive Geometry Visualization : Create tools that visualize geometric concepts to aid in learning.
Number Theory Explorer : Design an interactive platform for exploring number theory concepts and conjectures.
Math Assessment and Tutoring App : Build an app that assesses students’ math skills and provides personalized tutoring.
Machine Learning for Financial Forecasting : Develop models for predicting stock prices, market trends, and financial risks.
Graph Theory Applications : Explore practical applications of graph theory in various domains.
Mathematical Puzzle Solver : Create a tool that solves complex mathematical puzzles and challenges.

Capstone Project Ideas For History and Archaeology

Virtual Historical Tours : Develop virtual tours of historical sites, allowing users to explore ancient civilizations.
Interactive Archaeological Digs : Create a digital experience that simulates archaeological excavations and artifact analysis.
Historical Document Digitization : Digitize and preserve historical documents, manuscripts, and records.
Ancient Language Translation Tool : Build a tool that translates ancient or extinct languages into modern languages.
History-Based Educational Games : Develop educational games that immerse players in historical events and decision-making.
Cultural Heritage Preservation : Collaborate with local communities to preserve and document their cultural heritage.
Archaeological Site Reconstruction : Use 3D modeling to reconstruct and visualize ancient cities and structures.
Oral History Collection : Record and archive oral histories from individuals with unique life experiences.
Historical Costume Reproduction : Create historically accurate clothing replicas for museums and reenactments.
Digital History Exhibits : Design digital exhibits that explore historical themes and narratives.

Good Capstone Project Ideas For Environmental Engineering

Bioremediation of Contaminated Sites : Develop bioremediation strategies to clean up polluted soil and water.
Waste-to-Energy Conversion : Investigate technologies for converting waste materials into renewable energy.
Green Infrastructure Planning : Plan and design green infrastructure projects to manage stormwater and enhance urban ecosystems.
Air Quality Monitoring Network : Create a network of air quality monitoring stations to track pollutants and inform public health decisions.
Microplastics Detection : Develop tools for detecting and quantifying microplastics in aquatic environments.
Environmental Impact Assessment : Conduct assessments of proposed development projects to evaluate their environmental impact.
Habitat Restoration : Restore and rehabilitate natural habitats to support biodiversity conservation.
Sustainable Water Management : Implement sustainable water management practices to conserve and protect freshwater resources.
Renewable Energy Integration : Investigate methods for integrating renewable energy sources into existing power grids.
Eco-Friendly Transportation Solutions : Develop and promote eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles and public transit.

Political Science and International Relations

International Conflict Resolution Simulation : Create a simulation to model and explore diplomatic negotiations in international conflicts.
Public Policy Analysis Tool : Develop a tool that assists policymakers in analyzing the potential impacts of policy decisions.
Human Rights Database : Build a comprehensive database of human rights violations and abuses worldwide.
Political Campaign Strategy Platform : Create a platform that helps political campaigns with voter outreach, data analysis, and messaging.
Foreign Policy Simulator : Design a simulator that allows users to navigate complex international relations scenarios.
Legislative Transparency App : Develop an app that provides transparency and updates on legislative activities.
Political Participation Initiative : Organize programs and initiatives to encourage voter registration and civic engagement.
Government Performance Assessment : Develop metrics and tools to assess the performance and efficiency of government agencies.
Election Security Protocols : Propose and implement security measures to protect election integrity.
Diplomatic Crisis Management : Create strategies and frameworks for managing diplomatic crises and conflicts.

Capstone Project Ideas For Geology and Earth Sciences

Geological Hazard Prediction : Develop predictive models for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
Climate Change Impact Assessment : Assess the local impacts of climate change on ecosystems, agriculture, and communities.
Geological Mapping Software : Create software for geological mapping and analysis of rock formations.
Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring : Utilize satellite imagery and remote sensing data to monitor changes in the Earth’s surface.
Mineral Exploration Algorithms : Develop algorithms to assist in the discovery of mineral deposits and resources.
Geological Virtual Field Trips : Design virtual field trips that allow students and researchers to explore geological sites remotely.
Geoheritage Conservation : Promote the preservation and recognition of geological heritage sites.
Geothermal Energy Feasibility Study : Evaluate the potential for harnessing geothermal energy in specific regions.
Hydrological Modeling : Create models to predict and manage water flow in river systems and watersheds.
Geological Time Scale Interactive Tool : Develop an interactive tool for understanding and visualizing geological time periods.

Culinary Arts and Food Service

Food Waste Reduction Program : Implement strategies to reduce food waste in commercial kitchens and restaurants.
Gourmet Pop-Up Restaurant : Organize a pop-up restaurant featuring gourmet dishes and unique dining experiences.
Culinary Innovation Lab : Establish a culinary lab for experimenting with new recipes, techniques, and ingredients.
Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes : Offer cooking classes that teach participants how to prepare meals with local and seasonal ingredients.
Sustainable Menu Design : Create sustainable menus for restaurants that emphasize locally sourced, eco-friendly ingredients.
Culinary Tourism Promotion : Develop campaigns and materials to promote culinary tourism in a specific region.
Food Allergy-Friendly Recipes : Create a collection of recipes tailored for individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Food Photography and Styling : Explore the art of food photography and styling to create visually appealing dishes.
Food History Research : Investigate the historical origins and evolution of specific dishes or culinary traditions.
Cookbook for Sustainable Eating : Author a cookbook that focuses on sustainable and ethical eating choices.

Capstone Project Ideas For Literature and Writing

Interactive Literature App : Design an app that allows users to interact with classic literature through immersive experiences.
Creative Writing Workshop Series : Organize workshops and events to inspire creativity and improve writing skills.
Digital Poetry Journal : Create an online platform for poets to share their work and engage with readers.
Literary Analysis Tool : Develop software that assists in the analysis of literary texts and themes.
Bilingual Literature Project : Translate and publish literature in multiple languages to promote cross-cultural understanding.
Literary Podcast Series : Produce a podcast series that explores and discusses classic and contemporary literary works.
Author’s Archive Preservation : Digitize and archive the works and writings of lesser-known authors.
Interactive Storytelling Games : Design interactive games that allow players to influence the narrative and characters’ choices.
Literary Magazine Publication : Launch a literary magazine to showcase the work of emerging writers and poets.
Virtual Writing Retreats : Offer virtual writing retreats and workshops for aspiring authors.

Film and Media Production Capstone Projects

Short Film on Social Issues : Produce a short film that raises awareness of important social issues.
Interactive Web Series : Create an interactive web series where viewers can make decisions that impact the storyline.
Film Production for Nonprofits : Collaborate with nonprofit organizations to produce promotional videos and documentaries.
Virtual Reality Film : Develop a VR film experience that immerses viewers in a narrative or documentary.
Film Score Composition : Compose original scores for films, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
Documentary Series on Environmental Conservation : Produce a documentary series highlighting efforts to protect the environment.
Music Video Production : Direct and produce music videos for emerging artists and musicians.
Film Festival Organization : Organize a film festival that showcases independent and international films.
Stop-Motion Animation Project : Create a stop-motion animation film using innovative techniques and storytelling.
Film Restoration and Preservation : Restore and preserve classic films to ensure they are accessible to future generations.

Top Capstone Project Ideas For Physics and Astronomy

Particle Physics Experiments : Conduct experiments to explore subatomic particles and their interactions.
Astrophysics Research : Investigate phenomena in the cosmos, such as black holes, neutron stars, and dark matter.
Quantum Computing Algorithms : Develop algorithms and applications for quantum computers.
Laser Technology Applications : Explore applications of laser technology in fields like communications, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Astronomical Spectroscopy Analysis : Analyze astronomical spectra to gain insights into celestial objects.
Physics Education App : Create an app that offers interactive physics simulations and educational materials.
Advanced Materials for Energy Storage : Research and develop materials for more efficient energy storage devices.
Nuclear Fusion Experiments : Participate in experiments related to nuclear fusion as a potential future energy source.
Gravitational Wave Detection : Contribute to the detection and analysis of gravitational waves from cosmic events.
Nanotechnology for Medicine : Investigate nanoscale materials and devices for medical applications.

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

Biomimetic Robotics : Design robots inspired by nature, mimicking the movements and capabilities of animals.
Renewable Energy Harvesting : Develop innovative methods for harnessing renewable energy from the environment.
Mechanical Prosthetic Limbs : Create advanced prosthetic limbs with enhanced mobility and dexterity.
Advanced Materials Testing : Conduct experiments to test the properties and durability of new materials.
Mechanical System Optimization : Optimize mechanical systems to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Aerospace Engineering Design : Design and prototype aerospace components or vehicles.
Robotics for Elderly Care : Create robots that assist elderly individuals with daily tasks and companionship.
Bioinspired Transportation : Design transportation systems inspired by natural organisms, such as birds and fish.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles : Build AUVs for underwater exploration, data collection, and marine research.
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques : Explore cutting-edge manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing and nanomanufacturing.

Simple Capstone Project Ideas For Economics and Finance

Economic Impact Assessment : Analyze the economic impact of policy changes, events, or investments.
Financial Forecasting Models : Develop models for predicting financial trends, stock market movements, and economic indicators.
Behavioral Economics Experiments : Conduct experiments to study how individuals make economic decisions.
Economic Development Strategies : Propose strategies to promote economic growth in a specific region or community.
Blockchain-Based Financial Services : Create blockchain solutions for secure and transparent financial transactions.
Impact Investing Portfolio : Build a portfolio of investments that prioritize both financial returns and social impact.
Financial Literacy Program : Develop educational programs and resources to improve financial literacy among different demographics.
Cryptocurrency and Fintech : Research and innovate in the fields of cryptocurrency and financial technology.
Healthcare Economics Analysis : Analyze the economic aspects of healthcare systems and policies.
International Trade Simulation : Create a simulation to model international trade scenarios and trade agreements.
Sustainable Finance Initiatives : Develop strategies and products that promote sustainable and ethical investment practices.

Conclusion – Capstone Project Ideas

So, these are the 271+ creative and senior capstone project ideas that span a wide range of disciplines. It provides ample inspiration for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Remember to choose a project that aligns with your interests and passions, as the journey toward completing a capstone project ideas can be a rewarding one. Good luck with your capstone project examples, and may it lead to innovative solutions and valuable contributions to your chosen field of study!

What is an example of a capstone project Ideas?

Capstone projects come in all shapes and sizes, including research papers, case studies, creative works, internships, and field placement projects.

Are capstone project Ideas hard?

Taking on a big, longer-term academic or professional project can be very challenging.

Do colleges look at capstone?

Many colleges and universities offer credit and/or placement for a qualifying score in AP Seminar, AP Research, or both.

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Capstone Projects

The Capstone is a culminating academic project experience that is completed within the confines of a semester-length course. Several Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) fields either require a capstone or offer the option to pursue one. In addition to the information below, review Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website.

Types of Capstones

We offer two forms of capstone: Capstone Course (faculty directed) and Capstone Independent Project (student directed).

Capstone Course–Faculty Directed

For the ALM fields of anthropology, biotechnology, creative writing and literature, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, English, government, history, international relations, math for teaching, psychology, religion, and systems engineering capstones are courses designed by faculty members who bring together, in a structured syllabus, all the key learning outcomes of the field of study.

Our cybersecurity, data science, and computer science capstones are team-based projects that have a real-world industry partner as the client for your research.

While our creative writing capstone allows for ample room to work on individual artistic projects, but with the added benefit of weekly engagement with peers and the instructor–a supportive writer’s community.

Every effort is made to offer the same precapstone/capstone topics each year (e.g., human development, policy analysis, and social justice); however, topics are subject to change annually.

Good academic standing. You must be good academic standing to register for the capstone. If not, you’ll need to complete additional courses to bring your GPA up to the 3.0 minimum prior to registration. For detailed course description information, including specific registration requirements, such as credit minimums and academic standing requirements, use the Degree Course Search .

Tip: Register on the first day of early degree-candidate registration to obtain a seat in these limited-enrollment courses.

Precapstones

The ALM fields of anthropology, biotechnology, computer science, creative writing and literature, cybersecurity, data science, English, government, history, international relations, psychology, religion and systems engineering have a required precapstone course that must be completed with a grade of B- or higher.

Mandatory Sequencing of Precapstones/Capstones. You enroll in the precapstone and capstone courses in back-to-back semesters (fall/spring), with the same instructor, and in your final academic year.

Due to heavy workload demands, all your other degree requirements must be fulfilled prior to capstone registration. The capstone must be taken alone as your one-and-only remaining degree requirement. You cannot register in any other courses along with the capstone.

It is critical that you draw upon your entire ALM training to produce a project worthy of a Harvard degree by committing to full-time study in the capstone.

Engaging in Scholarly Conversation . For precapstones in anthropology, English, government, history, international relations, psychology or religion, you need to have completed Engaging in Scholarly Conversation prior to precapstone registration. If you were admitted after 9/1/2023, Engaging in Scholarly Conversation (A and B) is required; if admitted before 9/1/2023, this series is encouraged.

Attempts . You have a maximum of two attempts at the precapstone course to earn the required grade of B- or higher. If after two attempts, you have not fulfilled the requirement (a WD grade is considered an attempt), your degree candidacy will expire. If by not passing the precapstone you fall into poor academic standing, you will need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before enrolling in the precapstone for your second and final time.

The second attempt policy is only available if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time. If you attempt to complete the precapstone in your final year and don’t pass (including a WD grade), your candidacy will automatically expire.

For detailed course description information, visit the Degree Course Search .

Capstone Independent Project–Student Directed

For global development practice, digital media design, journalism, museum studies, and sustainability, capstones are client-based or independent research projects focused on a current issue or problem that has become compelling for you during your course of study. The project represents your academic passion and professional interest. You complete the research individually (journalism) or in a classroom setting with fellow candidates (all other fields).

Journalism candidates should scroll down to Journalism Capstone. The following applies to:

Global Development Practice
Digital media design
Museum studies
Sustainability

Registration in the capstone for the above fields has the following prerequisites: (1) your specific research project must be approved several months in advance (prior to enrolling in the precapstone tutorial), (2) you must successfully complete the precapstone tutorial, and (3) the capstone must be your final, one-and-only remaining degree requirement. You cannot register for any other courses along with the capstone.

There are two major steps to obtain project approval.

Step one: obtain advice right away. Once admitted to the program, meet with your research advisor early and often about your initial capstone research interests. He or she can provide support as well as course selection advice as you develop preliminary ideas. Please note that while every effort is made to support your capstone interest, guidance is not available for all possible projects. Therefore, revision or a change of capstone topic may be necessary.

For museum studies your capstone will have a main focus on (1) business of museums, (2) collections care, (3) exhibition design, (4) museum education, or (5) technology. Whatever focus you choose, you must have at least two courses completed in that area before enrolling in the precapstone tutorial. If not, your enrollment will not be approved.
Due to the highly technical nature of their projects, digital media students must meet with their research advisor, Dr. Hongming Wang, to discuss their capstone topics according to the following schedule. Between January 2 and February 15 for summer precapstone and between May 1 and July for the fall precapstone. Appointments can be scheduled through the Degree Candidate Portal.
Step two: register for the noncredit tutorial. The semester before capstone registration (no earlier), you are required to (1) enroll in the noncredit Precapstone tutorial, (2) visit the Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website to read through the tutorial guidelines, and (3) submit your prework by the required deadline (see below in bold).

Prework demonstrates that you have done enough prior reading and research on your topic to begin the capstone proposal process. Registration in the tutorial is limited to degree candidates who submit quality prework. If your prework is not approved, you will need to spend time revising in order to re-submit for the next offering of the tutorial, if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows.

Once registered in the noncredit tutorial, you will receive guidance and mentoring while you iterate on your individual capstone proposal until the document reaches a satisfactory quality. The tutorial is not a course in the traditional sense. You work independently on your proposal with your research advisor by submitting multiple proposal drafts and scheduling individual appointments (ordinarily, during the hours of 9-5). You need to make self-directed progress on the proposal without special prompting from the research advisor. While the tutorial is noncredit, your due diligence throughout the semester is required.

If you do not have a proposal that is close to being approved by the semester’s withdrawal deadline, you’ll need to withdraw from the tutorial, delay capstone registration, and re-take the capstone proposal tutorial again in a future semester, if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows.

For the fall capstone, you complete the proposal tutorial during the prior summer term: Register for the Summer Precapstone tutorial March 1. Submit the first draft of the preproposal between March 1 and May 15 . Actively participate in the tutorial during the summer and end the term with an approved proposal. Register and complete capstone in fall.
For the spring capstone, you complete the proposal tutorial during the prior fall term: Register for the Fall Precapstone tutorial when registration opens in mid-July. Submit the first draft of the preproposal between July 18 and August 1 . Actively participate in the tutorial during the fall and end the term with an approved proposal. Register and complete the capstone in spring.
For the summer capstone, you complete the proposal tutorial during the prior spring: Register for the spring Precapstone tutorial when registration open in early November. Submit the first draft of the preproposal between November 7 and January 2 . Actively participate in the Capstone Proposal Tutorial during the spring and end the term with an approved proposal. Register and complete capstone in summer. This sequence (spring tutorial, summer capstone) is required for international students who need a student visa.

Please note that not all fields offer a capstone each term. Refer to your field’s Degree Course Search for the schedule.

Human Subjects

If your capstone will involve the use of human subjects (e.g., subject interviews, surveys, observations), review the Human Subjects section on the Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website to learn Harvard University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval process.

Journalism Capstone

Over the course of the capstone semester for JOUR E-599 , you’ll conduct an in-depth investigation of a single topic and emerge with a portfolio of new work suitable for publishing, posting, or broadcasting. The portfolio requires you to produce several (at least three) related stories on one topic written specifically for the capstone course. (No prior work can be used.) The stories are completed over the course of one semester.

You can register for the capstone once you complete 36 credits, and you work independently to complete the project within a semester time frame. The capstone can be, and often is, completed at a distance.

To begin the capstone approval process, you schedule an appointment with your research advisor, June Erlick, ( [email protected]) , to discuss your capstone ideas.

While every effort is made to support your capstone interest, guidance is not available for all possible projects. Therefore, revisions or a change of capstone topic may be necessary before it is approved. As in all traditional journalism, projects must take a fair and balanced view by bringing in differing points of view. Projects should not be one-sided or take an advocacy stance.

Once a topic is approved, you submit the first draft of your capstone proposal. (Visit the Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website to read the specific guidelines for Crafting the Capstone Proposal). Ms. Erlick supports you through the fine tuning of the proposal and works with the Journalism program office to identify a capstone director. Once approved, capstone topics cannot be changed. In the unlikely event that you cannot continue with the project as approved, you must request and receive written permission to pursue a new topic from Ms. Erlick.

A capstone director is a journalism instructor or professional in the field who has expertise relevant to your capstone topic. The final decision about who will serve as director is made by the Journalism program office; however, you are welcome to request a particular instructor. However, we ask that you not contact an instructor directly prior to capstone approval.

You are expected to work independently on your project with support and direction from the director. The capstone director will meet with you several times over the semester to answer questions, discuss your progress, read drafts, and offer feedback. The director also grades the final project.

Journalism Timeline

Fall capstone: Meet to discuss capstone ideas by May 1. Submit first draft of capstone proposal by June 1.
Spring capstone: Meet to discuss capstone ideas by September 1. Submit first draft of capstone proposal by October 1.
Summer capstone: Meet to discuss capstone ideas by February 1. Submit first draft of capstone proposal by March 1

Final Capstone Grade

You need to earn a grade of B- or higher to earn degree credit for the capstone. If you earn a grade below a B– (including a WD), you will need to petition the Administrative Board for permission to enroll in the capstone for one final time. The Board only reviews cases in which extenuating circumstances prevented the successful completion of the capstone.

Moreover, the petition process is only available if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time. Your candidacy will automatically expire if you do not successfully complete the capstone requirement by your required deadline.

If approved for a second attempt, you may be required to repeat the precapstone course or the non-credit precapstone tutorial. Please note that you cannot choose a different precapstone/capstone sequence to gain additional (more than two) attempts at fulfilling the capstone requirement for your degree.

If by not passing the capstone you fall into poor academic standing, you’ll need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before enrolling in the capstone for your second and final time. This is only an option if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time to take additional courses.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

Capstone Requirement

All undergraduates matriculating as first-year students in 2021-22 or later and graduating in AY 2024-25 or later must complete a Senior Capstone Experience. Transfer students who enter during AY 2022-23 or AY 2023-24 and plan to graduate in AY 2024-2025 or later will also be required to complete a capstone.

Students can choose from the following capstone options:

Honors Program in Biology
The Senior Reflection in Biology
The Independent Capstone in Biology

Capstone Outside of Biology

Honors program, honors program requirements.

BIO 199/ 199X– 10 units of research in thesis lab completed during junior and senior years
BIO199W –3 unit course during Winter quarter of senior year
Engage deeply with and appreciate the process of scientific research
Design and implement an independent research project that contributes to knowledge in Biology
Describe the research project, findings, and significance to a broad scientific audience in a variety of ways

Students will need to submit their Honors thesis (approved by readers) and present their work (poster or oral presentation) at the Achauer Honors Symposium in May as well as on our Virtual Showcase website. Students will also need a 3.0 GPA by graduation

Engage deeply in a biological research project
Communicate scientific information and their research findings in a variety of ways
Drive an independent research project

Students will submit an application, please visit the Honors website for details on when to submit your Honors proposal.

Students will be required to apply to the Honors program and craft a research proposal that will be submitted near the end of Winter quarter of their junior year (exact dates are posted on the Honors website )
In the application, students will have identified their readers, their plan for research units, and share their proposed project for approval

For any questions, contact Dr. Jamie Imam at jamiec [at] stanford.edu ( jamiec[at]stanford[dot]edu )

The Senior Reflection

The senior reflection requirements.

BIO 196A– 3 units completed during Autumn quarter of senior year
BIO 196B –3 unit course during Winter quarter of senior year
BIO 196C – 3 unit course during Spring quarter of senior year
Explore passions for science and the arts and bring those passions together into a single in-depth creative project
Develop creative projects with the support of peers, mentors and instructors in a workshop environment, and curate them for presentation at an end-of-the year symposium.
Deepen and refine the ability to give and receive detailed, constructive feedback and support in a workshop setting among peers.
Reflect deeply in their Stanford careers and capstone experience through the writing and revision of a reflective essay.
By the end of fall quarter, each student will secure a scientific mentor and a creative mentor, and complete a detailed project proposal.
By the end of the winter quarter, having worked on their projects throughout the quarter, each student will submit a genre-appropriate “snapshot” of their project close to completion.
Near the end of the spring quarter, each student will curate and present their complete project at the end-of-the-year symposium.
By the end of spring quarter, having presented their final projects in the symposium, students will submit a 10-12 page reflective essay in which they describe and reflect upon their capstone experience, and on their Stanford careers.

The Senior Reflection is designed for those students who wish to combine an area of scientific interest with an in-depth creative project of their choice, which they will complete in a weekly creative workshop format. The Senior Reflection is a collaborative workshop-based program, in which students work closely with instructors, peers, and mentors.

Students will enroll in BIO 196A, commit to all three courses in the track (BIO 196A, B, C), and inform course instructors of their intention to do so.

No preliminary materials are required to enroll in BIO 196A,B,C as the proposal, capstone project, and reflective essay are generated during the three courses, with support from fellow workshop participants, instructors, and mentors.

For any questions, contact Dr. Susan McConnell at suemcc [at] stanford.edu ( suemcc[at]stanford[dot]edu ) and Andrew Todhunter at andrew.todhunter [at] stanford.edu ( andrew[dot]todhunter[at]stanford[dot]edu )

Independent Capstone

Independent capstone requirements.

BIO 199A– 3 units completed during Spring quarter of junior year
BIO 199B –1-3 units course during Autumn quarter of senior year
BIO 199C – 2 units course during Winter quarter of senior year
Explore passions for science, education, technology, business, community services, or other fields, and bring all those passions together into a single in-depth independent project.
Develop capstone projects independently with the support of advisors, mentors, and instructors.
Curate and present their projects at an end-of-year symposium.
By the end of spring quarter of junior year, each student will secure a project mentor and complete a detailed project proposal.
By the end of the fall quarter of senior year, having worked on their projects independently throughout the quarter, each student will submit a genre-appropriate “snapshot” of their project close to completion.
By the end of the winter quarter of senior year, having completed and revised their independent projects, students will submit their final projects
By the end of spring quarter, students will curate and present their projects in an end-of-the-year symposium.

Students who wish to complete an independent capstone project must enroll in the Independent Capstone in Biology course series. Such projects might involve creative works, research or business internships, travel-based study, teaching, or community service. Examples include the production of a teaching or business plan, a film or podcast, or a public education campaign.

In Bio199A, taken in Spring quarter of their junior year, students will identify mentors and develop project proposals. Students will begin their projects through Bio 199B in Fall quarter of senior year. In Winter quarter of senior year, students will enroll in Bio 199C to complete their projects and prepare for their presentation in spring.

The Independent Capstone in Biology is best suited for those students who wish to complete their projects independently, without close peer support and collaboration, while continuing to benefit from project mentorship.

Students will enroll in Bio 199A, commit to all three courses in the track (199A,B,C), and inform the course instructors of their intention to do so.

No preliminary materials are required to enroll in Bio 199A, as the proposal will be generated during the course, with support from advisors, mentors and instructors.

For any questions, contact Dr. Ashby Morrison at %20ashbym [at] stanford.edu (ashbym[at]stanford[dot]edu) and Andrew Todhunter at andrew.todhunter [at] stanford.edu (andrew[dot]todhunter[at]stanford[dot]edu)

Outside of Biology Capstone Options

Notation in Science Communication

The program typically runs application periods in the Fall (for Juniors and Sophomores) and Spring (for Sophomores and First-Year Students). See more details about the timeline and requirements in the link above.

Science, Technology, and Society Honors program

Begin the process during Autumn of junior year by talking to the STS Honors program director. See more details about the timeline and requirements in the link above.

Interdisciplinary Honors in the Arts

Applications accepted during Junior year. See more details about the timeline and requirements. A separate petition must be submitted to the Biology student services office to share how the project will be related to the Biology major.

Undergraduate Honors in Education

Prospective honors students apply to the program in early spring quarter of their junior year. Admitted students begin the program autumn quarter senior year. A separate petition must be submitted to the Biology student services office to share how the project will be related to the Biology major.

Text Description of Decision Tree

News from the Columbia Climate School

Student Spotlight: Navigating Sustainable Development for My Career Through Capstone Projects

Lylia Saurel

Adrienne Day

Marcella Petiprin and Andrew Pontius, two seniors from the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development (SDEV) program, have completed capstone projects at Columbia’s Climate School. They share some of their experiences and advice for students who wish to pursue an academic career in sustainability.

Photo of Marcella Petiprin, SDEV student

Marcella Petiprin was born in Flint, Michigan, and grew up passionate about the outdoors with a focus on water. Her family owns a Christmas tree farm and she is enthusiastic about giving back to the community. She currently sits on the board of the Flint Classroom Support Fund.

What drew you to the sustainable development major or special concentration?

I was most excited to discover that the sustainable development curriculum was one that focused on the social and economic features of environmental and climate issues. While I initially came to Columbia as an environmental science major, I’d always been aware of and interested in the important interactions between people and the environment because, to me, understanding these interactions is fundamental to making the monumental changes necessary to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

What advice do you have for students who wish to enroll in the Sustainable Development program?

My advice is to take as many cross-listed courses as possible. The sustainable development major is unique in the wide breadth of courses offered in different departments, and I wish I’d taken advantage of more economics, engineering and environmental biology courses. Through the Sustainable Development program, not only have I been able to build a strong foundation in Earth and environmental science, I’ve been able to explore how to build upon them in the real world and to shift the priorities of businesses and governments toward a more sustainable future.

What was your favorite class in the Sustainable Development program and why?

The energy law course with Michael Gerrard sparked my interest in renewable energy, motivated me to choose a career path in the energy sector, and gave me a robust foundation of knowledge which has been supremely valuable.

How did the program shape your understanding of sustainability?

The program has most strongly expanded my view of sustainability as being universally applicable. Sustainability is important and accessible to all people, all communities and all sectors. Sustainability is not only a discipline in and of itself, but a part of all other disciplines. While this certainly expands the scope of sustainability, it also gives me great hope for a future where sustainability is an ingrained practice for everyone.

Can you talk about your capstone project?

The Pearl River in Jackson, Mississippi, has a major flooding issue exacerbated by a local precedent of permitting development in the floodplain and bureaucratic gridlock within local, regional and state authorities, which has prevented Jackson from moving forward on any new flood control projects for nearly 40 years. In a partnership facilitated by the Community and College Partners Program (C2P2), our capstone project has been working with the nonprofit Mississippi Citizens United for Prosperity (MCUP).

We developed a detailed community survey to make up for a historical lack of tangible data on the scale of flooding and the direct and indirect impacts on the local neighborhoods. Our visit to Jackson and direct engagement with the local community improved our understanding of the issue tremendously. We noticed there was a lack of understanding of relevant hydrology principles, available flood management options, as well as the private, nonprofit and political interests, which were all vying for public support, all stemming from a lack of centralized information.

Ultimately the capstone workshop was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. It was incredibly meaningful to work with MCUP to develop deliverables that would be useful to the community and have a positive impact. My advice for future groups, those working with MCUP and in general, is not to underestimate nor underutilize local embedded knowledge. There is a long history of privileged students parachuting into communities with backgrounds that are often different than our own and attempting to implement what we idealize as effective solutions, but it is extremely important to remember that the people who live in these communities are informed, knowledgeable, thoughtful and should be engaged in problem-solving every step of the way.

Andrew Pontius is originally from Bremerton, Washington. Before joining the Sustainable Development program at Columbia, he had an 11-year dance career in Seattle and Europe where he toured and performed in both ballet and contemporary dance. As a lover of the outdoors, Andrew has also lived on a sailboat in Seattle.

During my time in Dresden, Germany, I had fantastic roommates who encouraged me to be more mindful about my consumption and to live more efficiently. That is how my concern with consumption and waste started, but then once back in Seattle, waking up in the morning to ash everywhere from nearby forest fires was a real wake-up call. Without the beauty of our natural world, what is there?

Do it! We need everyone tackling sustainability problems and how to share resources for all. There are a lot of great classes to choose from, so be curious and try new things. The workload is heavy, but professors are very supportive. If you’re searching for a way to connect with a grassroots community organization, I would recommend completing a capstone with Radley Horton .

What were your favorite classes in the Sustainable Development program and why?

As someone with interests in the future of energy in the US, the energy law class with Michael Gerrard was one of my favorites and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about energy. The Catskills watershed class was a very cool way to learn about New York City’s deep roots and history for sourcing its water. All the sustainable development professors I’ve had the chance to work with were kind, approachable and inspiring.

This is an empowering degree and I’m very thankful to have gone through such a rigorous yet enjoyable program. The program taught me that sustainability means different things for different people and that not everyone can afford to switch how they source and use energy or what products they buy. My classes have highlighted that sustainable development is a complex issue that needs to be addressed from a variety of angles.

Can you talk about your capstone project and what it entailed?

The Jackson Mississippi capstone group collaborated with a community organization on flood-related research. Together, we developed a comprehensive survey and crafted an informative story map for their webpage. Additionally, utilizing a Problem Tree framework—an approach to problem identification and solution generation used in engineering—we identified and connected various direct and indirect causes and effects of flooding in Jackson, providing valuable insights for the community.

The best part of the capstone project was working with local community members and getting to know people who fight for the well-being of their community. We conducted research while visiting the neighborhoods most impacted by persistent flooding. There are of course work expectations, but it is also somewhat freeform, so you have to apply yourself to learn and contribute to the group. The project taught me about comprehensive social and Earth sciences that informed both my personal and professional lives.

Sustainable Development Program Hosts Annual Alumni Career Conversations Panel

Register to Present at the Climate School’s Earth Month and Student Research Showcase

Student Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Sustainable Development on Study Abroad Experiences

Celebrate over 50 years of Earth Day with us all month long! Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

Get the Columbia Climate School Newsletter →

Community Engaged Scholars Program, 2024-2025

Join a community of students committed to rigorous scholarship that is community-engaged , equity-focused , and designed for social impact .

The Community Engaged Scholars Programs

The Community Engaged Scholars Program (CESP) exists to support and elevate the work of Stanford students undertaking senior honors theses, MA theses, senior syntheses, or other undergraduate capstone projects that are community engaged and designed to have public impact. Students can participate in CESP concurrently with their honors or capstone program in their major academic department, interdisciplinary program of study, or MA program. Students may also propose independent capstone projects.

Over the course of the academic year, CESP offers students the support, structure, resources, and accountability necessary to successfully complete their theses or capstone projects AND to ensure their project has public value and impact, rather than being something that simply “sits on the shelf.”

The CESP is designed to complement rather than duplicate the requirements of students’ honors, capstone, or MA programs and the efforts of faculty advisors during the thesis-writing process.

A Transdisciplinary Community of Scholars

Established in 1994, the CESP (formerly known as the Public Service Scholars Program or “PSSP”) encourages students to connect community work and activism with their academic and research interests. Under the mentorship of the program director, students form a supportive community of scholars who share an interest in public scholarship, scholar-activism, and community engagement. CESP is considered “transdisciplinary” because it values and integrates knowledge and expertise not just from academic disciplines but from community sources and lived experiences.

Through CESP, students participate in both a community of practice designed to promote relational and reflective learning and a community of purpose that supports the explicit discussion of values and identities and the exploration and application of social, intellectual, and political commitments to scholarly practice. CESP encourages students to explore research as a form of scholar-activism and provides opportunities for students to share their writing in small groups, solve problems collaboratively, and critique thesis plans, conceptual frameworks and methodologies.

CESP students undertake community-engaged theses and capstone projects across all majors. In the past CESP students have completed theses in human biology; peace and conflict studies (an individually designed major); comparative studies in race and ethnicity; feminist studies; history; American studies; political science; urban studies; sociology; psychology; science, technology, and society; among others.

By request, PSSP students can be matched with a Stanford staff, faculty, graduate student, or community member who serves as a mentor. The mentor relationship is highly individualized, but mentors typically provide advice and support to foster the community-engaged dimension of the thesis research and to pursue larger questions of how this work relates to students’ lives and career goals.

Program Highlights and Requirements

Access to mini-grants ($250-$1000) to support the carrying out of a community engagement or social impact plan

Fall Quarter 2023

Fall CESP Retreat (off-campus): An opportunity to build relationships and community in the cohort, learn more about each other’s work, and consider ways to integrate key community engagement principles and social action strategies and goals into your thesis or capstone projects.
One-credit Seminar: " Promising Practices in Community-Engaged Scholarship" that meets biweekly and explores evidence-based strategies to achieve impactful, equity-based community engagement outcomes through your scholarly work; discusses ways to critically negotiate ethics, identity, and power in your work with/in communities; and provides supplemental thesis writing support and opportunities for you to peer workshopping your community engagement ideas and social action projects-in-progress.

Winter Quarter 2024

Weekend Writing Retreat (off campus)
Mock Community Foundation Board Presentation : An opportunity to pitch your social action plan to Stanford CESP alumna/ae and receive mentoring/feedback on your work-in-progress
Responsive topical and writing groups : A chance to present and receive feedback on community-engaged/social impact objectives and goals of your thesis or capstone project

Spring Quarter 2024

Personalized mentoring and support from Haas Center to reach the finish line on your community engagement/social impact plans
Final Thesis presentations : Participation in Haas-sponsored event, Community Engaged Scholars Program Thesis Presentations , which allows students to highlight and celebrate the community-engaged abd social impact components of their thesis or capstone project (this is important because typically there is little time available in departmental thesis and capstone presentations to emphasize the community engaged intentions and outcomes)
CESP Graduation Brunch: Special brunch for CESP students, their friends, and families on the Friday before graduation (hosted by the Haas Center)
Individuals from all majors and programs are welcome to apply for admission to CESP.
Students may apply in the by June 16, 2023 to receive priority consideration to participate in CESP during the 2023-24 academic year.
Applications received after the priority deadline of June 16, 2023, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

Intention to complete an honors thesis, capstone project, or MA thesis in a major academic department or interdisciplinary program. Students may also propose independent capstone projects, subject to approval by the CESP director
Prior knowledge of and experience with community-based research, scholar-activism, and/or public scholarship
Regular contact with faculty advisor to ensure project meets all requirements of major academic department or interdisciplinary program
Commitment to the CESP community through full participation and support of colleagues
Development of a plan for community action/social impact

Students who choose to participate in CESP for all three quarters qualify to earn a Cardinal Commitment designation.

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George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

Meet Capstone Design Team Mechiwis

April 17, 2024 By Ashley Ritchie

Get to know mechanical engineering Capstone Design team Mechiwis who is redesigning retractors for total shoulder replacement surgeries, to improve ergonomics and shoulder joint access, for the Spring 2024 Georgia Tech Capstone Design Expo. The team's sponsor is restor3d and they are advised by Director of Design & Innovation Amit S. Jariwala .

1. Can you tell us about your team and project?

We are team Mechiwis, a team of mechanical engineering majors and Invention Studio PIs that are all extremely involved in the space. We all have a passion for the studio and prototyping, which is why we chose this project. This may seem like a biological sciences problem, but we determined that at its core it is a prototyping project.

We are redesigning retractors for total shoulder replacement surgeries, to improve ergonomics and shoulder joint access. Retractors are tools used in the operating room to maneuver muscle tissue and bone to give the surgeon better access to the problem. Our retractors will help surgeons make surgeries quicker and easier, in the long-term improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.

Team members include:

Miguel Daly – Jacksonville, Florida
Max Gart – Avon, Connecticut
Isabelle Gustafson – Carrollton, Georgia
Sana Hafeez – Duluth, Georgia
Lena Moller – Flowery Branch, Georgia
Claudia Vitale – Tampa Florida

2. What is your team’s design process, how do you go about separating different tasks, and what are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?

The first step in our design process was to understand the surgery and the current market challenges, which we did through online research and surveying shoulder surgeons. We moved on to ideation, with some simple sketches that were shown to the sponsor for feedback. Our team’s strength is fabrication, so we started prototyping as fast as possible. The first versions were bent pieces of waterjet sheet metal, and eventually the material chosen got so tough to bend that it had to be forged. Physical iteration was key here, so there was a lot of shipping prototypes back and forth to the sponsor. Each iteration received feedback from the sponsor and an expert surgeon, and a new version was made with that in mind. Eventually we landed on the current set, made of waterjet and forged 17-4 PH stainless steel. This set has been tested by us in two cadaver labs and evaluated by the expert surgeon. Since we received all positive feedback from this and they fit all the requirements on our specification sheet, it's the final set!

Our biggest challenge was definitely being an all mechanical engineering team working on a biomedical project. We had no idea if we were going to be too squeamish to watch the surgery videos or do the testing. Also, since most of us have no biology background, we didn’t know if we would be able to learn enough to do this project in a semester. In the end, everything worked out and after playing to our strengths as a team, we’ve come up with a product we’re proud of!

3. Have there been any highlights while working on your project?

In early April, we drove to our sponsor’s facility in North Carolina and were able to test our retractors’ performance in a real cadaver lab. Two of our members actually got to assist the surgeon during the procedure, which was a really unique experience. We used the information from that lab to further refine our tools and completed a second cadaver lab in the Atlanta area thanks to the support we have received from the Capstone Design program. One of the other highlights was our manufacturing process for the last set of retractors. They are made from such a hard stainless steel that they can’t be bent by traditional sheet metal breaks, so they had to be heated to red hot and then hammered into the correct shape. We learned a little blacksmithing!

4. Can you tell us about your experience working with a sponsor?

Honestly, our sponsor has been great. The team at restor3d has been extremely helpful throughout the entire process and enthusiastically supportive towards our ideas. Being able to have knowledgeable industry professionals weigh in and provide feedback has been an invaluable resource. We had a great time when we went to visit and tour their manufacturing facility!

5. If you could go back in time, what advice or message would you give your team on day one?

For us, the best thing to do was to start trying. We learned just as much from our successes as our failures. The designs that didn’t work out pointed us in the direction we needed and helped us make a better product. We would tell our past selves to not be afraid to ask questions, because every single question has a benefit.

The Spring 2024 Georgia Tech Capstone Design Expo will be held on Tuesday, April 23, at McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Tech campus. At the Expo, over 1200 seniors from various disciplines of engineering, sciences, public policy, and industrial design will showcase their innovative projects designed and built during their Senior/Capstone Design course. Register to attend here !

This semester's Expo includes over 70 industry sponsors. Their donations support Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech .

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by Eric Butterman - April 16th, 2024 - Academics , Events , Featured , Students

Students from The University of Texas at Dallas got little sleep and plenty of encouragement at FinHack 2024, a competition presented by the Naveen Jindal School of Management ’s Finance Lab . Held April 5-6, the third annual “hackathon” — a social-coding event in which students attempted to solve business problems with their financial and technology skills.

Photo of (from left) Liping Ma, and first-place winners Mihir Padsumbiya, Gurram Pavani Sri Harsha, Harsha Kolachina and Viswaretas Kotra. On the right is Bipin Alankar, MS’13, the alumni representative. He and Ma presented the award to the team.

The event featured a series of speaker sessions and a complementary panel discussion in the Davidson Auditorium that had a theme of integration of AI in finance, along with an announcement of the winners.

Many members of the 29 teams didn’t know each other and that was part of the point, said Dr. Liping Ma , clinical assistant professor in the Jindal School’s Finance and Managerial Economics Area and chair of FinHack 2024.

“It’s an engagement and collaboration for student participants, industry leaders, and professors from different fields,” she said. “To hack a topic, some students have finance knowledge, some where their skills are getting into business analytics and others in technology. These different talents will be working more and more together in the real world, so why not here?”

The team that took home the first place $1,000 prize was elated and educated by the event.

“I think one of the biggest benefits wasn’t just about hacking but putting up a product idea and solving,” said Harsha Kolachina, a graduate student in business analytics and a member of the winning team. “We had a data set about the banking industry and a problem in the space is retaining customers. A big part was also coming up with a vision. Models come into it, there is the presentation aspect of it and web application building to showcase our work. The biggest takeaway was how complicated problems like this can be solved through utilizing different skills.”

Other competitors also commented on the enrichment of the competition. Claudius Galo, a graduate student in computational biology, was exhausted and impressed by it.

“I got here Friday night after work, I didn’t sleep a lot and really worked the night away,” he said. “I took a nap on a table while trying to figure out, ‘could we do this thing we wanted to do?’ This event was atypical of other hackathons in how in-depth in went. I came into this hackathon wanting to do a specific project on sentiment analysis and I didn’t expect it would be one of the options, but it was. I was happy to see that.”

Another team found the collaboration aspect to be a big lesson.

“It’s fun to work in a group and it’s hours constantly talking back and forth on ideas,” said Anish Beeram, a finance junior. “And implementing them. Overall, it was a great experience. Choosing the prompt took a while but the choice was an important one.”

Ma hoped that it was an unforgettable experience for the more than 110 student participants, 25 professionals including alumni and professors, and the Finance Lab team.

“They saw that ideas and analytics approach are great, but presentation skills can be very important,” she said. “Brilliant ideas won’t mean much if you can’t get them across to your audience. They will be in these types of situations many more times in life — here was a chance to help them become a little more prepared.”

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60+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Unlocking
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The most crucial step to writing a good biology capstone project is to be idealist and intelligent in choosing a topic. It's smart you first research and understands the biology capstone project you are working on. That way, it will be easy to write a project that will be accepted and approved by the professor. Get Writing Help.
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60+ Inspiring Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students: Unlocking Excellence

What is Capstone Project Ideas for Stem Students?

Importance of Capstone Project Ideas for Stem Students

Putting Knowledge to Work

Mixing It Up

Unleash Your Inner Genius

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Becoming Sherlock Holmes

Boss-Level Skills

Finding Real-World Problems

Supercharging Your Resume

Changing the Game

Opening Doors

Making a Real Difference

Showcasing Your Awesomeness

Capstone Project Ideas for Stem Students

Engineering and Technology

Biotechnology and Healthcare

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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What are the capstone topics for stem?

What is the Capstone Project for stem students?

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Revolutionizing Prosthetic Limbs: Comfort and Functionality Redefined

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