Acquisition of a Laser Confocal Microscope to Advance Research and Education at Savannah State University
Abstract
As a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), Savannah State University (SSU) serves primarily African American students (88%). The College of Sciences and Technology at SSU has fostered a productive and collaborative community of faculty researchers in STEM fields, and has been successful in acquiring essential research equipment and setting up training programs through external grants such as NIH-RIMI, NIH-RISE and NIH-MARC. However, SSU s resources for fluorescence microscopes are severely lacking. We seek funds to acquire a laser scanning confocal microscope to transform our research platforms and advance our STEM educational programs. Acquisition of a laser scanning microscope will overcome the current limitations in research (e.g. detection of faint signals, low resolution, live cell imaging, and capability of three-dimensional structure analysis), which will enable the faculty members at SSU to maintain and expand research projects and provide valuable research opportunities to our students. A core research group consisting of four biology/chemistry faculty at SSU and one high school teacher, along with their students, will regularly utilize the confocal microscope. Our proposal includes a variety of research projects: (1) Identification and characterization of cellular factors to restrict viral replication (Dr. Nitta), (2) and (3) Sigma-1 receptor regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in Alzheimer s Disease / The role of Metavinculin in cell mechanical sensing synthesis (Dr. Shen), (4) Synthesis and characterization of nanocellulose-based polylactide composites (Dr. Zhao), and (5) Inhibitory effects of betulinic acid and its derivatives in adipogenesis (Dr. Johnson). The core members are highly productive and are well qualified to conduct the cutting-edge research projects, as reflected by our publications (over 70), citations (over 2800), and grantsmanship. Our expected outcomes include controlling virus replication, transformative concepts of cholesterol homeostasis in Alzheimer s disease, novel cytoskeletal mechanisms in muscle cells, synthesis of new nanopolymers, and characterization of gene expression and signaling pathways in adipogenesis. Therefore, our projects will have significant impacts on the development of strategies for maintaining/recovering the physical condition of Army personnel, and developing new materials for functional packaging and biodegradable containers, and have strong potential to address the problems that the Army faces through the Biological Sciences programs in the US Army Research Laboratory. We also expect that the instrument will significantly advance our education platforms through additional hands-on exercises and demonstrations in SSU s biology, chemistry and forensic sciences programs (e.g., Microbiology, Biochemistry, Forensic Science classes: 528 students/year), and undergraduate research under faculty supervision, which will foster the development of next generation researchers through these programs. The curriculum renovation will benefit all of the students in these and other STEM programs through delivery of modern and essential concepts and application of a laser scanning confocal microscope in their fields. SSU maintains strong community engagement in Savannah; the instrument will offer opportunities for faculty and students in regional universities (Mercer University, Armstrong State University) and high schools to expand their research and educational capabilities through research collaborations and outreach programs, such as SSU s STEM360 summer camp and AP biology classes (130 students/year). Thereby, this new instrument will help to grow a strong STEM workforce in the Savannah region. The college will provide a dedicated laboratory to set up the laser scanning confocal microscope system where all the investigators can easily access the instrument. Scientifically significant results will be made available to the public in a timely manner.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710514
Entities
People
- Takayuki Nitta
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Savannah State University