Sustainable Bioleaching for Space and Earth Applications​

Spring 2025

Project Overview

Project Coordinator: Joseph Bate, Evan Martin

Project Sponsor: Carol McClelland

Responsible Department: Biology

Total GAF Funding: $5,000

Themes: Electronic Waste, Green Technology, Metal Extraction

Goal:  Reduce reliance on hazardous chemical leaching, supporting UCCS sustainability efforts, by developing a sustainable bioleaching process using Aspergillus niger to extract metals from e-waste. ​​

Impact: Expand student engagement in hands-on sustainability research​. Reduce campus e-waste by testing bioleaching for metal recovery​. Integrate findings into sustainability initiatives at UCCS​. Position UCCS as a leader in green technology & space biotechnology research. ​