Acquisition of a Molecular Devices GenePix 4000B Scanner and a Bio-Rad iQ5 Real-Time PCR System for Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching in an Undergraduate College Setting

Wellesley College, Wellesley Hills MA

Investigators

Abstract

A grant has been awarded to Wellesley College under the direction of Dr. Brian C. Tjaden for the acquisition of a microarray scanner and a real-time PCR system to be used in genomic research and teaching at the college. Nine faculty will directly benefit from the new equipment, which will be used in studies of bacterial RNA genes, phototropin signaling modules in the model plant Arabidopsis, function of ovarian steroid hormones in the brain, and transcriptional responses of cancer cells in the pancreas. The equipment will be incorporated into laboratory exercises in undergraduate courses in biology and neuroscience. Wellesley is a college for womenwith a strong track record in educating women in science. The new instrumentation will enhance the academic experiences of the women students and provide them with tools to expand research opportunities.