Acquisition of Equipment for Environmental Microbiology Research in Central Michigan

This award is to fund acquisition of an ABI 310 automated DNA sequencer and a Biolog microbial identification system to improve the capacity for environmental microbiology research in Central Michigan. While the primary use of this equipment will be for environmental microbiology research at CMA and Alma College, a secondary but equally important use of this equipment will be for research and teaching by additional CMU Biology faculty. The equipment will meet the needs of a growing number of researchers utilizing molecular techniques. Further, the instruments will be integrated into a number of courses that will reach students at a wide range of levels in their academic preparation. Through additional programs, including the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program, students underrepresented in the sciences will continue to be encouraged to participate in research projects utilizing the requested instrumentation.