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The UVU College of Science is leading research and conservation efforts to restore Utah Lake, but we can’t do it alone. Every action, every gift, helps protect this ecosystem before it’s too late.
Through advanced synthetic biology and a creative algae-filtering barge, students and faculty in the College of Science are finding ways to clean the water, protect wildlife, and preserve this vital natural resource for our Utah community.
Your gift funds their work by providing materials, equipment, and research support. Every dollar helps students gain hands-on experience while improving the lake we all share.
Synthetic Biology Algae Project
Students in UVU’s College of Science are working on a project that directly benefits our local area by helping to restore the health of Utah Lake. Through the International Genetically Engineered Machine Project (iGEM), they are using synthetic biology to engineer good algae that removes extra nutrients from the water. This reduces the food source for harmful algal blooms and helps limit their growth. This cleans the lake’s water and protects the surrounding environment.
Algae-Filtering Barge
Led by Professor Kevin Shurtleff, a team of biology students has built a 30-foot filtration barge designed to target the most affected areas of the lake. The barge pumps up to 1,800 gallons of water per minute through a cellulose filter that captures the algae and returns clearer water back into the lake. This targeted approach helps slow the spread of harmful algae, keeping more of the lake safe for everyone.
These hands-on projects are helping to protect the lake while preparing UVU students to solve everyday problems through science and innovation.
This project is driven by faculty research and supported in part by funding from UVU, the Utah Lake Authority, the National Science Foundation, and the State of Utah.
“My collegiate journey has been achievable through the generous support of esteemed UVU donors and scholarships. As a dedicated full-time student juggling an 18-credit course load and a demanding 30-hour work week, I have found these scholarships to be instrumental in making my pursuit of academic excellence feasible. They’ve not only eased financial worries but also enabled me to passionately pursue two degrees without concerns about financial stability. Donor support empowers UVU students like me to chase our dreams.”
- Callie Ross ‘25, Biotechnology and Forensic Science
“In October 2023, I presented my research about microplastics in Utah Lake using Raman spec-troscopy. This presentation helped me overcome my fear of doing ‘real science.’ While I have long believed in the possibility of achieving my goals, UVU allowed me to experience it firsthand, which was both terrifying and incredibly satisfying."
- Eliza Ballantyne ‘24, Physics
“The study has given us a chance to be researchers,” he says. “It’s immersive learning that provides real-life, practical experience that might actually allow us to mitigate some of the issues facing the lake.”
- David O’Bryant '19, Environmental Science and Management
