Award Abstract #0216618
MRI/RUI: Instrumentation for Sequencing and Genomic Analysis

NSF Org:	DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure
Initial Amendment Date:	May 13, 2002
Latest Amendment Date:	May 13, 2002
Award Number:	0216618
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Helen G. Hansma DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	June 1, 2002
Expires:	May 31, 2005 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$170330
Investigator(s):	Merrill Peterson peterson@biol.wwu.edu (Principal Investigator) Jeff Young (Co-Principal Investigator) Craig Moyer (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Western Washington University 516 High Street Bellingham, WA 98225 360/650-3000
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9229, 9184
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

Project Summary

A grant has been awarded to Western Washington University under the supervision of Drs. Peterson, Moyer and Young of the Biology Department to support the acquisition of

core instrumentation and software required for DNA sequencing, genotyping,

and analysis. The ease with which DNA can now be sequenced, coupled with

advances in molecular biology and computer science has revolutionized the

biological sciences. This technology is now central to basic research in

many disciplines, as well as integral to the training of future researchers

and science educators.

Funding from this proposal will facilitate primary research in eleven

different labs with current and pending funding. A broad array of fields

will be supported by this instrumentation, including Conservation Biology,

Microbial Diversity, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Functional Genomics,

Developmental Genetics, and Protein Biochemistry. State of the art

instrumentation will further enable grant procurement and renewal by

allowing us to perform rigorous research using modern techniques. This core

instrumentation will also enhance our ability to attract and retain capable

professors/researchers.

In addition to establishing and maintaining externally-funded research

programs, we are dedicated to the integration of research and training

through the mentoring of undergraduates in faculty research labs. This

training will allow our students to continue to be recognized regionally

and nationally with jobs in the biotechnology industry, admission to

graduate and professional schools, and pre-doctoral awards. Furthermore,

we are revising our core biology curriculum with a primary focus on the

integration of molecular biology approaches at all class levels. In all,

over 500 undergraduate students per year will directly benefit from this

instrumentation through instruction in the Biology Department. Through

WWU's Integrated Laboratory Network the equipment supported by this grant

will be accessible to affiliated programs in the College of Arts and

Sciences and the Huxley College of Environmental Studies, as well as to

future K-12 science educators enrolled in the Woodring College of

Education. In all, a broad spectrum of people, ranging from faculty and

undergraduates to K-12 science students will benefit. Access to automated

DNA sequencing and genotyping technologies will enhance student education

and professional opportunities while furthering fundamental science

research.

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