Photosynthesis System, Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope and Leaf Absorptance Meter for Plant Ecophysiology Research and Botany Lab with Undergraduates
Abstract
The Biology Program at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is a nationally renowned premedical curriculum with approximately a third of the graduating class entering medical school. Therefore, a large number of students seek graduate programs, other training opportunities or employment in non-medical fields after having realized non-admission to medical school. Both groups, medical school-bound and those bound for other opportunities in STEM fields, clearly benefit from a research experience in plant science, especially related to various aspects of photosynthesis, enabling them to demonstrate a well-rounded background for medical school admission and to be attractive to non-medical degree programs or careers. The PIÕs research program focuses on how plants of direct economic or ecological importance acclimate to different environmental conditions or treatments through physiological changes related mainly to photosynthesis. Students involved in this research participate in all aspects of the scientific method starting with conceptualizing hypothesis statements through sharing findings. For instance, a recent peer-reviewed publication featuring three student authors was ÒPhotosynthesis and kaempferol yields of soybean leaves under ABA application and mechanical woundingÓ [1]. Research students working with PI also enjoy the opportunity to work with collaborators outside Xavier such as at the United States Department of Agriculture, New Orleans (USDA) and broaden their network to be more viable upon graduation (please see support letters from USDA). Over 30 Xavier undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Physics trained so far in the PIÕs research group and presented their work in over 15 national conferences. Current work focuses on understanding the effects of abiotic stress on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber quality, and the petroleum oil stress tolerance mechanisms of smooth cord grass (Spartina alterniflora) genotypes for coastal protection and restoration, an area of interest to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) of the Department of Defense (DoD). The PI also is the only instructor of the Botany course, a Biology elective with lecture and lab. Funds requested by this proposal are to a) replace a 15 yr old LI-6400 photosynthesis system which has been discontinued by the manufacturer with the newly improved LI-6800 capable of measuring a greater number of variables with more precision in a much shorter time; b) acquire a compact, easy to use desktop type scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy, Hitachi FlexSEM 1000-EDS, for investigating surface ultrastructure of plant organs especially leaves; and c) purchase a Aquation White RAT Leaf Absorptance meter for evaluating the fate of light incident on the leaves in plants grown under different environmental conditions. None of these instruments is available in XULA College of Arts and Sciences which includes PIÕs Biology Department. All three instruments are also easy for students to learn and use reliably both during research and during Botany Lab due to their easy startup procedures, auto-controls, and non-cumbersome calibrations. The data generated through use of these three instruments are mutually complementary, and thus provide an integrated systems-picture of the structure-function interplay of plant acclimation to environmental conditions which PIÕs current research/teaching facilities cannot afford.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910469
Entities
People
- Harish Ratnayaka
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Xavier University of Louisiana