Syracuse University

projects 2024

Fortagia Lampposts

Tyler Bernier, Sarah Mason, Collin Wong

This project plans to reimagine the concept of modern streetlamps using bioluminescence & and plant photosynthesis to reduce the effects of light pollution in urban parks and lessen reliance on carbon-polluting electric grid. The Bioluminescent sphere will have two systems running simultaneously: a day system and a night system. During the day, the biosphere portion of the lamp will produce oxygen through natural photosynthesis. This water will be stored throughout the day accumulating higher and higher concentration oxygen. When the sun sets, a solar detection system will activate the night system, beginning to pump the oxygen-rich water from the biosphere into the lumisphere. This will trigger the chemical reaction between the luciferin and luciferase stored in that portion of the lamp, creating bioluminescence. This process is continual throughout the night, allowing for a constant dim illumination. Using sensor technology inspired by automatic doors, the lampposts will be able to detect the presence of pedestrians, triggering the release of Lux , a manmade compound that will increase the light output of the lumisphere.

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Snuggly Seedlings

Josephine (Jojo) Crow & Elaina Zory

Anti-freeze proteins (AFPs) are a class of proteins that naturally occur in specific types of fish, yeast, plants, bacteria, and insects. AFPs are the reason that arctic fish can survive in eternal winter, mold can grow on snow, and ice-worms thrive on glaciers. In the select plants where AFPs are present, they are typically secreted into the apoplast, the space outside of the plasma membrane, where they both bind to ice crystals to inhibit growth, as well as lower the freezing temperature of water. Isolating the AFP protein found specifically in winter flounder allows for it to be genetically applied to plants. The application of AFPs to crops allows for the creation of cold-resistant plant strains that are able to withstand colder climates and unpredictable weather.

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Instructors 2024

Yves Michel

Don Carr

Davoud Mozdehi

Kiana Memrandadgar

Doug Yung