Advancing Genetic and Genomic Research and Education in Southwest Oklahoma
Abstract
The goal of this proposal is to assemble a shared genetics and genomics resource center in the Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences at Cameron University, with the purpose of advancing the research capabilities of Cameron University faculty and enhancing the learning experience of students served by the university. It is common for department faculty to design laboratory based courses in genetics and cell biology that provide students with research-based learning opportunities, and faculty with novel experimental results to be used directly in research endeavors. To these ends, all equipment requested in this proposal will be used by more than one faculty member to support research and research-related education. The biological safety cabinet is commonly known as a Òtissue culture hoodÓ, which allows for the growth and propagation of plant and animal cells in an artificial environment for use in research. The tissue culture hood will allow for the integration of mammalian cells, including human cell lines, into laboratory courses and expand our capacity to use these cells in research. The microvolume spectrophotometer is designed to accurately measure the mass of genetic material, such as DNA and RNA, and proteins, among other biological macromolecules. Thus, this instrument has broad applicability in genetics and genomics research and will be used extensively in research and research-related education. The microvolume spectrophotometer will department faculty to expand our ability to incorporate the analysis and use of DNA, RNA, and proteins into our courses, and augment the technology currently used in our research projects. The imaging instrument is a multi-function imaging system designed for detecting, imaging and quantitating DNA, RNA, and proteins. As such, it will interface directly with current resources in the department, enhancing our capabilities and integrate with the equipment listed in this proposal. The instrument will allow department faculty to expand the repertoire of molecular biology techniques used in both teaching and research. The 96-well microplate reader is capable of detecting luminescent signals. The plate reader will be used to investigate regulation of gene expression, supplement our current ability to study protein biochemistry, and complement current research into cell-to-cell communication. Additionally, the microplate reader will be utilized in research-related education in cell biology-based laboratory courses. The real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system allows for analysis of gene expression levels and a number of genetic and genomic applications, including detection and analyses of genetic differences. Real-Time PCR and quantitative PCR are currently standards in genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology; thus, this instrument will fill critical roles in several laboratory-based courses and provide much needed research support to the faculty in the department. The genetic analyzer system is designed for sequencing and analysis of DNA. DNA sequencing is currently a standard practice in genetics, molecular biology and cell biology and can be widely applied to teaching and research at Cameron University. Together, the equipment requested in this proposal will modernize genetics and genomics teaching and research at Cameron University and provide the university with more opportunities to recruit and retain students interested in pursuing STEM-related careers as undergraduates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910515
Entities
People
- Antony Miller
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Cameron University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense