<Elsa Muleya> — HTGAA Spring 2026
About me
I am a student at Copperbelt University in Zambia and a researcher in the How to Grow (Almost) Anything (HTGAA) 2026 course.
My Mission: Sustainable Agriculture Through Synthetic Biology My primary focus is the development of sustainable, bio-based solutions for agriculture. Currently, my research explores the use of cyanobiochar as a biofertilizer. By leveraging the nitrogen-fixing capabilities of cyanobacteria combined with the structural benefits of biochar, I aim to create a natural, high-efficiency alternative to chemical fertilizers that can revitalize soil health in my local community and beyond.
Strategic Goals & Personal Development To push the boundaries of my final year project, I am focusing on two key development pillars during HTGAA:
Space-Hardened Extremotolerant Stocks: I am interested in exploring how exposure to extreme environments—specifically launching samples into space—can help select for or engineer extremotolerant strains of cyanobacteria. These “space-hardened” stocks could offer superior resilience to the harsh environmental stressors found on Earth, such as drought and high salinity.
Environmental Biosensors: As a secondary goal, I am exploring synthetic biology to create low-cost biosensors that detect heavy metal contamination, ensuring the water used in sustainable irrigation is safe and clean.
Contact info
Homework
- Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices
- Week 2 HW: DNA READ WRITE AND EDIT
- Week 3 HW: Lab Automation
- Week 4 HW: Protein Design I