What We're Doing
Our mission is to tackle the global water crisis by developing and implementing innovative water quality monitoring solutions. By combining synthetic biology, social science, community engagement, and policy, we are creating accessible, rapid in-home water testing technologies for lead detection in the greater Chicagoland area.
Working closely with an 8-person Community Advisory Board representing diverse stakeholders, particularly from environmentally impacted communities, we aim to democratize access to water quality information and empower individuals with actionable data about their water safety.
This interdisciplinary initiative brings together experts across multiple fields to create transformative solutions that will help mitigate the economic, political, and health impacts of water contamination on vulnerable populations.
NU study seeks households with lead lines
Northwestern’s scientific innovation faces significant setback under Trump
Lead biosensors could make water testing accessible for Chicagoans
Chicago-Area University Research in Limbo as Trump Administration Pauses Federal Grants
What’s next for Northwestern researchers amid funding cuts and work stoppages?
Department of Defense issues over 100 stop-work orders to Northwestern researchers
Northwestern studying at-home tests for lead in water
Southeast Siders Can Get $50 To Test Their Water For Lead Through New Study
Biosensor research at Northwestern detects water contaminants in Chicagoland area
Free, at-home water test kits coming to 350 Chicago-area homes: ‘This puts power into people’s hands
Home Water Quality Testing Kits For Lead, Copper And PFAS To Debut In Chicago
350 Chicago households will get free water testing kits for lead as part of Northwestern study