Christopher Prainito (Astro) Physics & Engineering

About Me

Christopher Prainito

Hi there! I'm a junior at Harvard College studying physics and mechanical engineering. At Harvard, I'm the Chief Engineer for the Satellite Team (SEDS) and the Equipment Manager of the Student Astronomers at Harvard-Radcliffe (STAHR).

Over the past few years, I have been involved in several research projects. In 2021, I designed and developed a novel biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in saliva. In 2023, I spent the summer as an undergraduate researcher in Harvard's Semeghini Lab, where I worked on designing and building optical systems for a dual-species, neutral atom array experiment. In 2024, I spent the summer as an undergraduate researcher in Stony Brook University's Ultrafast & Near-field Infrared Laboratory (UNI-Lab), where I worked on developing a novel interferometric feedback system for THz scanning near-field optical microscopes (SNOM).

In my free time, I enjoy working on DIY projects, capturing images of nebulae and galaxies within the night sky, planting trees with my nonprofit organization, and more. I also enjoy playing musical instruments, including the oboe, saxophone, and organ/piano.

Featured Projects

HEIST Mount

H.E.I.S.T. Mount

  • CAD & PCB Design
  • Metal Machining
  • Electrical Engineering

Computerized Go-To Telescope Mount for Astrophotography

Check it out!
COVID-19 Biosensor

COVID-19 Biosensor

  • Experiment Design
  • FTIR/NMR Spectroscopy
  • Statistical Analysis

Paper-Based, Colorimetric Sensor for SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva

Check it out!

Astrophotography Gallery