Created by Emmanuel alumni and faculty, the “DigiBox” is a custom-designed black acrylic box with 3D printed components used to photograph agar plates – which are used widely across the field of biology. Fully developed and reproduced in the Emmanuel College DiscoveryLab – a makerspace complete with 3D printers, laser cutters, Adobe software and more – the DigiBox is a product of how collaboration, academic exploration and curiosity fuels innovation at Emmanuel and prepares students to become life-long learners.
The device solves an age-old problem that scientists have faced for years: an inevitable glare that hinders the imaging of growing microbes on agar plates.
According to the Dean of the School of Science & Health, Dr. Pádraig Deighan, this persistent problem is often addressed using sophisticated camera and lighting state setups that cost thousands of dollars. And even those high-end setups introduce workflow inefficiencies when accommodating hundreds of student scientists with imaging needs each semester.
At least that was the case – until now. Using the DigiBox, students can easily block the outside light and glare that blurs results thanks to the all-black acrylic design, while LED lights installed within the box illuminate the microbes clearly enough to capture high-quality images with a smart phone camera. The current prototypes, developed largely by Emmanuel alum Gavin Nolan ’24, have already been piloted at some Harvard, hospital and industry labs.
Nolan, a double major in Biology and Neuroscience, worked out the design of the DigiBox at home after graduation, using a 3D printer to develop the precise pieces for assembly and creating the sleek design with acrylic material, while Dr. Deighan and a team of student scientists trialed iterative versions of the DigiBox until the design was perfected.
Not only is it incredibly useful in the lab – but it’s convenient. The team foresees shipping the pieces un-assembled, “like a little LEGO set,” complete with simple instructions for easy assembly at minimal cost.
Click here for full article and to learn more.