At DIY Diagnostics, our lab functions as a hands-on innovation space within FRI. Rather than following standard textbook protocols, students work at the intersection of molecular assays, analytical hardware, and software development, taking clinical-style diagnostic tools from initial concept to bench validation.
Our Approach
We combine molecular biology, chemistry, electronics, and programming to solve pressing biomedical problems:
- Multidisciplinary Problem Solving: Students integrate bench wet-lab assays with open-source hardware, low-cost sensors, and code.
- Iterative Prototyping: Projects progress from theoretical design to hands-on bench validation and functional diagnostic prototypes.
- Collaborative Research Culture: Researchers take ownership of real experimental workflows in a supportive, team-driven environment.
Course Credits Earned
1st Semester Spring Credit:
- CH 204 & NSC 109
2nd Semester Fall Credit Options:
- BIO 206L & BIO 177 OR
- BIO 377
Get Involved
Every researcher brings distinct perspectives to our lab. Whether your focus is molecular biology, hardware engineering, data analysis, or clinical medicine, DIY Diagnostics equips you with the technical rigor and analytical confidence to lead scientific discovery.
DIY Diagnostics was featured on FOX 7 News: “UT working on fast ‘DIY’ way to test for Zika Virus”.
Acknowledgements
The DIY Diagnostics FRI stream is made possible thanks to a generous endowment from Bob and Cathy O’Rear. Additionally, DIY has a strong history of collaboration with labs, companies, agencies, foundations, and other stakeholders who have generously donated money, expertise, or reagents to the students of DIY. In particular we are grateful to New England Biolabs for their help with our LAMP based diagnostics developments.