Alvernia University 2 articles published in JoVE Biology Design and Development of Aptamer–Gold Nanoparticle Based Colorimetric Assays for In-the-field Applications Joshua E. Smith1, Jorge L. Chávez2,3, Joshua A. Hagen2, Nancy Kelley-Loughnane2 1Department of Science and Mathematics, Alvernia University, 2711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 3UES, Inc. The design and development of an aptamer–gold nanoparticle colorimetric assay for the detection of small molecules for in-the-field applications was examined. Additionally, a smart-device colorimetric application (app) was validated and long-term storage of the assay was established for use in the field. Chemistry Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants Lauren Kurek1, Maya L. Najarian1, David A. Cremers2, Rosemarie C. Chinni1 1Department of Math and Sciences, Alvernia University, 2Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. LIBS detection capabilities on soil simulants were tested using a range of pulse energies and timing parameters. Calibration curves were used to determine detection limits and sensitivities for different parameters. Generally, the results showed that there was not a significant reduction in detection capabilities using lower pulse energies and non-gated detection.