b'Activity and Stability of Engineered HemeBiocatalysts in Deep Eutectic SolventsChloe E. WardSponsor: Dr. SreenilayamDeep Eutectic Solvents (DES) are a new generation of sustainable solvents prepared by mixing two or more individual components. DESs have many desirable physicochemical properties compared to traditional organic co-solvents used in biocatalysis such as negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, non-flammability, conductivity, easy recycling, biodegradability, and little to no toxicity. Moreover, these solvents can be easily synthesized from cheap, commercially available, and naturally occurring renewable materials. Biocatalysis (using enzymes and proteins as catalysts) is increasingly used in organic synthesis due to its excellent chemo-, regio- and stereo- selectivity, environmental sustainability, milder reaction conditions, improved productivity, simplified work-streams and greater economical saving potential. Aqueous/organic co-solvent-based biocatalytic reactions suffer from disadvantages such as lack of substrate scope and substrate solubility, catalyst stability, catalyst recycling, decreased reaction kinetics, high toxicity, low sustainability index, etc. One way to overcome these limitations is to perform biocatalytic reactions in an aqueous/DES solvent mix or in a pure DES solvent system. The objectives of this project are to synthesize a set of 10-15 DESs and study the stability of engineered heme biocatalysts (purified enzyme) in these DES using UV-Vis spectroscopy to identify the best catalyst-DES combinations. Subsequently, the activity of the biocatalyst will be evaluated in the above-mentioned DES solvent system to establish the optimal reaction conditions. Our initial results showed that DES solvents outperforming traditional aqueous/organic co-solvents, especially under aerobic reaction conditions.Developing Novel Puzzles for STEM StudentsShyra L Lagarde, Jayden Thomas, and Capri PersaudSponsor: Dr. ManningThis project focuses on the development of a product that provides a simple solution to a complex problem that impacts individuals of all ages. When comparing academic performance in science and mathematics internationally, the United States only shows average scores. The national mean score for the American Chemical Societys chemistry exam is only 44.5% while the 2021 SAT score in mathematics for U.S. students revealed only a 66% proficiency in basic math skills. These figures are problematic, but they can be resolved with research into innovative and effective educational methods. Our solution is STEM Shells. STEM Shells is a startup company in pursuit of improving the academic confidence of all students and STEM scholars through the creation of a chemistry gameShellementsdesigned to familiarize players with the periodic table and a math game4Filesdesigned to introduce abstract math concepts to a younger age base. The objective of STEM Shells is to produce board games that will strengthen foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for students to excel in STEM fields, particularly chemistry and mathematics. STEM Shells will conduct research of its effectiveness and determine methods to better STEM education and communication for the future.23'