Founder And Co-Host Of “The Sci-Files” Researches Biosensors To Detect Swine Fever

By Abbey Miller

Chelsie Boodoo is a doctoral candidate in the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), researching DNA-based gold nanoparticle biosensors to detect swine fever viruses.

“Our biosensors can be used to rapidly detect bacteria and viruses which can help save lives and improve biosecurity,” Boodoo said. “There are numerous things that you can do with a degree in biosystems and agricultural engineering. You can innovatively save lives and positively impact others.”

Combining her communication skills with a love for science, she was inspired to help MSU students learn more about the value of science communication. This led to one of her best experiences, founding and co-hosting “The Sci-Files” with Impact 89 FM, a student-run radio station based on MSU’s campus.

“As scientists, we're usually taught that it's our data that's important, but if we can't communicate that data effectively, we can't actually reach the public or certain collaborators outside of academia,” Boodoo said.

"Usually, people are only encouraged to communicate their science whenever they are up for some award at a conference or if they're applying for funding,” Boodoo said. “By effectively communicating our science, we're able to have a much further reach and we're able to have a much deeper impact.”

One of the 2022 CANR Alumni Association Scholarship recipients, Boodoo serves as a coordinator for the Global Alliance for Rapid Diagnostics (GARD), is a student leader with the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Commission on Economic and Community Engagement, and is a pod leader for 500 Women in Science East Lansing. In addition, she is a digital content creator for the MSU Science Festival and founded MSUSciComm, a student-led organization empowering students and young professionals to communicate complex scientific topics.