MALDI-based Research-like Experiences in a 2YC/4YC Collaboration with a Renewable Fuels Industry Partner

培养一支先进的技术队伍有赖于成功的学术和行业合作伙伴关系，为学生提供尖端技术的实践经验。研究灌输的MALDI模块(RIMM)倡议是安诺卡-拉姆齐社区学院(ARCC)、威斯康星大学斯托特分校和可再生燃料公司Ever Cat Fuels之间的合作。通过整合研究和教育，RIMM模块正在改变课程，纳入充满活力的探究式体验，其中包括使用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间(MALDI-TOF)质谱仪，这是一种擅长生物分子分子分析的敏感技术。学生们正在获得MALDI-TOF质谱学的实践经验，并探索包括生物分子提取方法、微色谱、可再生燃料和生物柴油合成在内的科学问题。MALDI-TOF质谱学特别适合本科生的研究。MALDI-TOF被公认为在生物医学研究和化学中的重要应用，在许多应用领域仍在不断涌现，包括环境研究、聚合物和食品科学。然而，尽管MALDI-TOF方法具有广泛的实用价值，但本科生很少有操作MALDI-TOF质谱仪的实践经验。该项目将MALDI-TOF质谱学首先整合到化学课程中，然后整合到生物课程中，以改善本科生的学习环境，赋予本科生追求科学的热情。与Ever Cat Fuels的合作也为学生在可再生燃料领域提供了就业机会。该项目的更广泛影响包括作为机构如何合作以加强研究和工具接触学生的典范，以及在社区学院注入本科研究以支持保留代表不足的群体(第一代大学生和女性)。此外，预计让这些人接触到威斯康星大学斯托特分校的机会，将为改善威斯康星大学斯托特分校的多样性提供非凡的潜力，同时促进留住学生进入四年制课程。

Developing an advanced technological workforce hinges on successful academic and industry partnerships that provide students with hands on experience with cutting edge technology. The Research-Infused MALDI Modules (RIMM) initiative is a collaboration between Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC); the University of Wisconsin-Stout; and Ever Cat Fuels, a renewable fuels company. By integrating research and education, the RIMM modules are transforming the curriculum to include vibrant inquiry-based experiences that incorporate the use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, a sensitive technology that excels at the molecular analysis of biomolecules. Students are gaining hands-on experience in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and exploring scientific questions that include: biomolecule extraction methods, microchromotography, renewable fuels, and biodiesel synthesis.MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is particularly well-suited to undergraduate research. Acknowledged as important in biomedical research and chemistry, MALDI-TOF applications are still emerging in many applied areas, including environmental studies, polymers, and food science. Yet, despite the wide-ranging utility of MALDI-TOF methods, it is rare that an undergraduate would have hands-on experience operating a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. This project is integrating MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry first into the chemistry curriculum followed by the biology curriculum to enhance the undergraduate learning environment and empower undergraduates to enthusiastically pursue science. The partnership with Ever Cat Fuels also provides students with career opportunities in the renewable fuels field.The broader impacts of this project include the partnership serving as a model for how institutions can collaborate to enhance research and instrument access to students, and the infusion of undergraduate research at the community college supporting the retention of under-represented groups (first-generation college students and women). It is also expected that exposing this population to the opportunities at UW-Stout offers an exceptional potential to improve diversity at UW-Stout while promoting retention of students into a four-year program.