EcoWell: a smart classroom incubator for environmental science
Official title: EcoWell: Smart Incubation Technology for Next-Generation Environmental Science Labs
Funded at Amelia Technologies, LLC · NIH-11315145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new classroom tool lets students model real-time environmental conditions and study how pollutants affect algae, bacteria and other biological signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Amelia Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | June 22, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,037,876 |
| NIH project number | 1R44ES038434-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11315145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable (educational tool for classrooms; not a patient population).
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit is anticipated.
What this research studies
EcoWell is a modular, affordable micro-incubation system designed for classrooms to simulate environmental stress and measure biological responses. It enables students to manipulate simulated pollutants and observe outcomes on living cultures, building hands-on understanding of toxicology and environmental monitoring. The project focuses on making advanced lab concepts accessible in K–12 settings and helping learners connect local environmental issues to broader health and ecosystem impacts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, EcoWell could empower students with practical lab experience and a clearer picture of how pollutants affect living systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous classroom kits have shown improvements in engagement and conceptual understanding; EcoWell aims to enhance realism and data interpretation.
Where this research is happening
-
Amelia Technologies, LLC
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sykora, Peter — Amelia Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Sykora, Peter
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.