Celebration of Scholars
Chemberry: a Raspberry Pi microcontroller for microscale laboratory experiments
Name:
Kevin Krause
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Germantown, TN
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Senior thesis
Funding: none
Abstract
Research and work in the chemical field relies heavily on computational devices. Without the aid of elaborate computer-controlled instruments such as mass spectrometers, FTIR spectrometers, NMR spectrometers and various other devices, chemical breakthroughs would be nowhere near where they are today. Breakthroughs in drug design and pharmacology are often assisted by computer simulations. Therefore, in an academic setting, it is important that chemistry students master the theory while also mastering usage of these complex computers. However, the interfaces to these computers and software can inhibit students’ growth and confidence. Chemberry can address this issue by making it easier and more convenient for chemistry students to participate in microscale laboratory experiments.
Chemberry is a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B interfaced with an Arduino Uno, connected to several lab instruments. They currently include but will not be limited to:
- analog pH sensor
- electrical conductivity probe
- temperature and humidity sensor
Chemistry students can interact with and obtain measurements from these instruments using a simple, informational GUI. As students continue to take measurements with their Chemberry, their instructor will automatically be notified over a TCP connection. These are just a few of its many useful features.
Overall, this device is a more cost-effective and less complex alternative to comparable lab microcontrollers.Submit date: March 19, 2018, 9:24 a.m.