Student wins $3,000 for lab innovation

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Nov. 4, 2013) A California Lutheran University student received a $3,000 scholarship for designing a system that would reduce the time and water involved in washing glass lab equipment.

Christina Geldert, a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Sparks, Nev., was awarded second place in the 2013 Student Design Contest sponsored by the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA).

She designed the WareWash, a drawer-style system for sanitizing and storing test tubes and other lab glassware. Geldert, co-president of the Student Association for a Greener Environment at CLU, put together a video showing the amount of time and water needed to wash glassware and a 3-D rendering that shows how the WareWash would work.

The contest requires that students use their personal experience in university labs and anticipate future technology to design a piece of lab furniture or other equipment that would enhance the laboratory learning experience. Five industry professionals judge the entries on ergonomics, design quality, sustainability, production capability, the use of new technology, impact on learning, and practicality.

SEFA was organized in 1988 to meet the needs of lab designers and manufacturers in the laboratory furniture industry. Members work with lab owners, architects, contractors and others to create safe lab environments.