Virtual Instrumentation Access at CSU Channel Islands (VIA-CI)

California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo CA

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12) The technological preparation of science students is being enhanced by providing faculty at regional community colleges and universities (Educational Partners) with virtual access to state-of-the-art molecular structure determination/ visualization instrumentation available through the Internet. This facility provides eight local Educational Partners with (1) free remote access to a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and a 500 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer for use in their instruction, (2) on-site access to protein (R-Axis II) and small molecule (AFC-7) X-ray diffractometers, and (3) the ability to check-out a 3D stereo projection system and 40 stereo goggles for viewing molecular structures. The goal of the project is to demonstrate remote instrument operation as a cost-effective approach to providing an outstanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to students at regional institutions.