Renovation of Biology Research Laboratories

来自学术研究基础设施计划的资金将使费里斯州立大学能够改造研究空间，以支持生物学系为生物技术领域的教师研究和研究培训提供现代化实验室的需求。该项目是一个更大的努力，以翻新38岁的科学大楼的一部分。 目前的研究主要集中在以下四个领域：（1）近紫外线辐射损伤，（2）细胞因子调节，（3）蜗牛器官间脂质转运系统中的游离固醇，（4）线粒体ATP合酶和叶绿体ATP合酶。 由于空间不足，很少有学生能报名参加生物技术课程，从而限制了他们学习重组DNA、蛋白质纯化程序、细胞和组织培养以及免疫学技术的机会。缺乏足够的研究空间阻碍了教师建立涉及本科生的长期项目。 资金将用于重新配置实验室，更新电气和管道系统，并提供一个设备集中区。将安装固定设备，包括通风柜、个案工作、工作台和储藏柜，以提高研究效用。 一旦装修完成，将为教师和学生提供更有效的空间，因为他们将进行各种实验。除了为8名教师和40名学生扩大研究机会外，该项目还将加强该部门争取校外支持的能力，并消除教师在校外寻求夏季研究任命的必要性。 改善实验室空间将提高生物技术研究培训计划的质量，并为研究荣誉计划提供基础。

Funding from the Academic Research Infrastructure Program will enable Ferris State University to renovate research space to support the Department of Biology's need to provide modernized laboratories for faculty research and research training in biotechnology. This project is part of a larger effort to renovate the 38 year old Science Building. Inadequate facilities have been an impediment to current investigations focusing on four major areas of study: (1) near-ultraviolet light radiation damage, (2) cytokine regulation, (3) free sterols in the interorgan lipid transport system in the snail, and (4) mitochronrial ATP synthase and cholorplast ATP synthase. Due to inefficient space, few students can enroll in the biotechnology program, thus limiting opportunities for them to learn techniques in recombinant DNA, protein purification procedures, cell and tissue culture and immunology. The lack of adequate research space has discouraged faculty to establish long-term programs that involve undergraduates. Funds will be used to reconfigure laboratories, update electrical and plumbing systems, and provide a centralized area for equipment. Fixed equipment consisting of fume hoods, casework, benches and storage cabinets will be installed to improve research utility. More efficient space for faculty members and students, as they conduct various experiments, will be accessible once renovations are completed. In addition to expanding research opportunities for eight faculty members and forty students, the project will strengthen the department's ability to compete for extramural support, and eliminate the need for faculty to seek summer research appointments off campus. Improved laboratory space will enhance the quality of the biotechnology research training program, and provide a foundation for a research honors program.