Water Quality Imager- 2025 Project
The Project
In 2020, 35% of surveyed rivers across the State of Montana were contaminated by nutrient
enrichment, leading to large blooms of nuisance algae.
This project seeks to address the need for new technology to monitor water quality by translating a prototype low-cost algae imager and optical calibration system from pure research to commercially viable products.This team is currently working to identify potential markets for its translation and test its viability in those markets via customer discovery.
The Impact
This team has successfully developed their first prototype of an algae imager and
associated calibration instrument. Prototype testing & market discovery activities
are currently under way.
As a direct result of the project, two MSU undergraduates have been employed in positions where they're experiencing and assisting with high-impact research translation.
The team anticipates filing a provisional patent very soon!
Meet the Team
Joe Shaw
Project Lead, Professor & Director, Optical Technology Center
Riley Logan
Project Lead, Assistant Professor
Milo Anderson (not pictured)
An MSU undergraduate student (studying physics) working on building a prototype of the low-cost calibration system.
Nathaniel Oftedal (not pictured)
The Journey
"Funding from the NSF ART program has played a critical role in our ability to begin translating our basic prototypes and scientific research into marketable products. In addition to funding, the program has provided key connections with experienced professionals in business and entrepreneurship, sparking new ideas with fresh perspectives while also providing practical insights."
-Riley Logan, Project Lead
