The National Science Foundation awarded the University of Illinois a $100,000 project grant under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program to develop an aerial virus detector system. The university will use the one-year award ending June 2023 to create a portable device that can directly detect airborne COVID-19 and other viral particles. The proposed technology integrates a COVID-reactive surface with a sensitive detection mechanism to identify the presence of a virus particle in the air. If a particle interfaces with the sensor surface, it will trigger an alarm and message on the device screen. The goal is to provide real-time guidance to occupants on safety within an indoor space by enabling intelligent decision-making regarding viral contamination levels. This work aims to advance science and engineering solutions for national challenges, as called for under the NSF TIP program.