Award Abstract #0619476
MRI/RUI: Acquisition of a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer for Biochemical and Environmental Analysis

NSF Org:	DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure
Initial Amendment Date:	August 9, 2006
Latest Amendment Date:	August 9, 2006
Award Number:	0619476
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Robyn E. Hannigan DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2006
Expires:	August 31, 2009 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$369996
Investigator(s):	Jeffrey Boles jboles@tntech.edu (Principal Investigator) Martha Wells (Co-Principal Investigator) John Harwood (Co-Principal Investigator) Mona Wells (Co-Principal Investigator) Jisook Kim (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Tennessee Technological University Dixie Avenue Cookeville, TN 38501 931/372-3374
NSF Program(s):	EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9229, 9184
Program Element Code(s):	9150, 1189

ABSTRACT

This award supports the acquisition of a liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer for chemical, biochemical, and environmental analysis in research and research training for a university that is currently without any capability of liquid chromatographic mass spectral analysis. The faculty that will benefit from the new instrumentation are engaged in multi-disciplinary research in the areas of bio-organic, biochemical, bio-inorganic, and environmental research. Data is currently collected at universities that are over 80 miles away, which is entirely inadequate for carrying out research employing mass spectrometry on a routine basis and is not productive for education of students. Two of the five major faculty users are new faculty members.

This award goes to a predominantly undergraduate institution that has a rigorous program in undergraduate research. The acquisition of this instrumentation will strengthen the undergraduate and graduate research infrastructure in multiple departments through advanced research and training. Collaborations with local, state and federal agencies will result in an increased understanding of the identification and fate of important biochemical and environmental metabolites in the east central portion of rural Tennessee. Most of the department graduates plan careers in biotechnology or environmental science and ultimately go on to attend graduate school or professional school. Finally, the acquisition of this instrumentation will help the three female Co-PIs to serve as mentors and role models in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.

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