Ohio State students lead the charge in mold detection innovation through NSF I-Corps program
Columbus, OH – Two students from The Ohio State University, Neeraja Balasubrahmaniam and Jaden Yankovitz, are revolutionizing the field of mold detection with their cutting-edge research.
As participants in the NSF I-Corps program at the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, they are transforming their academic insights into a groundbreaking solution that could change how we manage mold in homes and businesses. Balasubrahmaniam and Yankovitz are members of the Indoor Environmental Quality Lab research group with PI Karen Dannemiller, associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences. Their project focuses on developing a highly accurate test that identifies mold growth by targeting specific genes associated with water damage. With current testing methods lacking standardization and reliability, this innovation could make a significant impact on health and safety.
"Mold can cause serious health issues across various environments, from residential homes to hospitals," said Balasubrahmaniam, a fourth-year PhD student in Environmental Sciences. “We want to create a more accurate test and standardize methods to detect the problem.
Yankovitz, a second-year undergraduate studying Chemical Engineering, highlighted the broader implications of their work, saying, "This test has the potential to benefit multiple sectors, including homeowners, mold inspectors, and healthcare facilities,” Yankovitz said. "We're excited to explore the wide-ranging impact our research could have."
The I-Corps program at the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. It equips students and researchers with the skills to identify market opportunities for their innovations through a structured customer discovery process. Participants engage with potential users and stakeholders to gather valuable insights, by developing and testing hypotheses. Neeraja and Jaden were part of the 4th I-Corps cohort at OSU.
“Neeraja and Jaden embody the innovative spirit we foster through the NSF I-Corps program,” said Caroline Crisafulli, director of entrepreneurial education at the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. “The team fully embraced the I-Corps process. Their interest in tackling real-world challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship is inspiring and exemplifies the transformative potential of the I-Corps program.”
As they look to the future, the team is eager to expand their outreach and connect with additional stakeholders to refine their testing solution. "We need to engage with more people to determine where and how our test best fits the market," Balasubrahmaniam said.