The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a challenge for maintaining an engaging learning environment while using remote laboratory formats. In this work, we describe a Student Choice Project (SCP) in an undergraduate instrumental analysis course that was adapted for remote learning without sacrificing research-based learning goals. We discuss the implementation and assessment of this SCP, selectedstudent results, and student feedback. Students were provided handheld carbondioxide monitors and charged with designing and implementing an investigationcentered on COVID-19 airborne transmission. The real-time monitors providedexperience with a new analytical tool that demanded considerations and analysis notcommon to other methods discussed in the course. Students were motivated by the ability to design their own projects and by the real-world implications of their findings. They performed well for all assessments, reported a positive experience, and recommended these monitors be added to the typical repertoire of instrumentation for the course