MRI: Acquisition of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) System for Research, Research Training and Education

Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport LA

Investigators

Abstract

This NSF MRI Award funds the acquisition of a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system to significantly improve infrastructure for research, research training, and education in the biological sciences in the Department of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS). The HPLC system is used to support a range of research projects, including: abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations and antioxidant concentrations in salt-stressed plants; agricultural chemical residues in constructed wetlands; ecological chemistry and carotenoids; molecular genetics of yeast; ecological chemistry and metabolites; and evolutionary and systematic botany. In addition to providing modern HPLC capabilities for research, the new system allows the Department to advance education and training objectives by teaching students to use and apply the latest HPLC procedures in a laboratory and classroom environment. LSUS, an institution that serves significant numbers of students from under-represented groups, has a long history of involving undergraduates in research projects within the Department of Biological Sciences. Research training and education supported by the new HPLC system will contribute to development of a skilled workforce in Louisiana (an EPSCoR state) and the nation. The results of the research and teaching efforts will be broadly disseminated through abstracts and peer reviewed publications, as well as by active participation of students and faculty at professional meetings.