MRI: Acquisition of Confocal Microscopy Instrumentation to Enhance Undergraduate Research at Truman State University

Truman State University, Kirksville MO

Investigators

Abstract

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation award will enhance microscopy-intensive undergraduate research and training at Truman State University through support for the acquisition of a spinning disc confocal microscope. The Truman State University mission includes an emphasis on integrating original research in undergraduate education, and its faculty are committed to providing their students with a rich research-intensive learning environment through faculty-mentored student research opportunities and direct inclusion of research into its curriculum. Five Truman faculty members use confocal microscopy in their research projects, specifically, exploring: development and cell migration in C. elegans, genetic control of the shoot apical meristem in maize, actin dynamics during plant gravitropism, and plant-endophytic fungi interactions. In addition, the confocal microscope will be used in investigative labs in eight courses, ranging from core courses to upper-level electives. Each year, a diverse student population (more than 300 students, including an increasing number of minorities (currently 12.4%), and students with majors in Biology, Chemistry, Health Science, Exercise Science, Mathematics and Computer Science) will receive training in confocal technique and gain hands-on experience with the confocal microscope via laboratory-based courses. Research results will be disseminated through faculty and student presentations at scientific research conferences and in publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.