A system for monitoring growth media within a controlled environment is provided and includes a well plate having a plate top and a plate side and defines at least one well cavity. The plate top includes a top opening and the plate side includes a side opening and the side opening is communicated with one of the at least one well cavity. The system includes a sensor assembly unit that includes a unit structure defining a reference material chamber containing a reference material, a sensor chamber having a chamber opening, and a base chamber. Additionally, the system includes a reference electrode communicated with the reference material and the base chamber. A media sensor is provided and is communicated with the chamber opening and a media sensor electrode communicated with the media sensor. The reference electrode and media sensor electrode are communicated with a processing device.