
Qitong Li
Graduate Student in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Research Assistant
Northwestern University
I use electrochemical sensors to measure plant photosynthesis, focusing particularly on detecting CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) activity. Building on this research, I am developing PhytoBits—a microcontroller-based educational curriculum that integrates plant physiology, bioelectrochemical sensing, and data science. The curriculum uses low-cost microcontrollers like the BBC micro:bit and custom-built sensors to help students explore real-time plant responses and gain hands-on experience in computational thinking, experimental design, and environmental biology. PhytoBits is designed for high school and undergraduate students, encouraging inquiry-based learning and making complex plant processes more accessible through interactive, technology-driven activities.