A List
11/12/01

SLU AWARDED GRANT FROM NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

CANTON - The National Science Foundation in Arlington, 
Virginia, has awarded a grant of $300,968 to St. Lawrence 
University, for the acquisition of an energy-dispersive 
X-ray analysis system and confocal microscope that will 
assist in the development of an interdisciplinary 
microscopy-imagery center in biology, chemistry and 
geology.
	The new center is expected to enhance faculty and 
student research activity in biology, geology, chemistry, 
physics and psychology, as well as provide instrumentation 
support for two of the University's new majors, biochemistry 
and neuroscience. A goal for the new facility will be to 
continue to increase the development of an interdisciplinary 
research culture in the sciences.
	The two new instruments will be integrated with 
other existing research-grade microscopy equipment to 
establish a centralized, interdisciplinary, multi-user 
microscopy/imagery center, encouraging and supporting the 
continued development of an active, "hands-on" investigative 
science research environment for both faculty and students. 
A number of on-going faculty research projects that 
routinely involve undergraduate students are expected to be 
enhanced by the use of the new instruments. In addition, 
the instruments will be used in courses that include 
instruction of research methods.
	St. Lawrence University President Daniel F. Sullivan 
stated, "I am particularly pleased that we have received 
this grant through the National Science Foundation's 
Major Research Instrumentation Program, which makes it 
possible for science faculty at a small liberal arts college 
to provide students with direct experience working with 
advanced research equipment that is usually only found at 
large research facilities. The addition of this 
instrumentation will enhance research collaborations between 
faculty and undergraduate students, something we strive 
for at St. Lawrence."
	The University is contributing to the costs of the 
project by creating a new, full-time position for a 
microscopy technician.
	Principal investigator for the grant project is 
Professor of Biology Thomas W. Budd, chair of the biology 
department, who will be collaborating with Chapin Professor 
of Geology J. Mark Erickson, Associate Professor and Chair 
of Geology John T. Bursnall, Assistant Professor of Biology 
Joseph S. Erlichman and Associate Professor of Chemistry 
Nadia Marano, all co-principal investigators.

-30-

Back To News Releases

Back to St. Lawrence Homepage