Acquisition of Leading Edge Instrumentation for the Enhancing of Biophysical Research and Curriculum Development for Undergraduate Minority
Abstract
The acquisition of a laser scanning confocal microscope coupled with a high-powered laser for optical Tweezer (LSCM-OT) will provide a much-needed research experimental physics infrastructure at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), while helping launch a new biophysics research program. The newly acquired instrument will be integrated in both the research and the educational training programs in the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences (CNBS) where Physics resides. The LSCM-OT will be used for experiments in which high-resolution imaging of live cells and tissues imaging is critical. CSUDH currently does not have such a facility and none of the nearby institutions possess the requested combined instrumentation to share with CSUDH faculty and students. The LSCM-OT will provide the ability to measure and/or control multiple variables simultaneously, yielding valuable new insights not available when using each method independently. The LSCM-OT will be housed within Physics, in the CSUDHÕs 91,000 sq. ft. Center for Science and Innovation (opens Fall 2020), which will provide data sources for collaborative research, as well as curriculum, and training. This combined instrument incorporates elements of prior experimental design using dual-trap high-resolution optical tweezers, combined optical trap/confocal microscope, and interlaced trap and fluorescence excitation light sources. Faculty from Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology have need for the LSCM-OT which will improve faculty and student research capabilities, allowing novel use of confocal techniques. The instrument will be used by PIs from CSUDH, and collaborating institutions whose research involve: i) Using optical tweezers to study cancer cells characteristics under high intensity radiation; ii) Understanding the effects of oxidative stress on cell stiffness and bone mineralization regulation; iii) Visualizing Delta FOSB expression throughout ratsÕ brains; and iv) Exploring antifreeze protein as drug treatment of osteoporosis. This new equipment will enrich the departments of Physics, Biology, and Chemistry at CSUDH and partnering institutions by providing opportunities for interdisciplinary research collaborations. CSUDH is the most diverse minority-serving institution among the 25 universities located in Los Angeles County. As of Fall 2019, 77% were from traditionally underrepresented groups, and 56% were first-generation students. The acquisition of the LSCM-OT will directly impact: i) Student success: LSCM-OT will support the hands-on learning in the new Biophysics curriculum bridging classroom and research, to foster retention and recruitment of student to STEM majors; ii) New faculty. Expanding CSUDHÕs research capabilities will allow to attract/hire new talent and afford a broader pool of professionals; iii) Minority participation in STEM research, higher education, and workforce: More than 85% of our students are from underrepresented minorities from which to recruit diverse undergraduate users (e.g. low-income, Hispanic, African American, minority faculty & women). This instrument will be overseen by the PI, the only African American male Physics faculty among the 23 California State University (CSU) campuses; iv) Highschool to college pipeline: motivating highschoolers through educational workshops and summer research; and v) Increase faculty resources & productivity in research & education: this expanded research capacity will offer resources and tools attractive to research-active CSUDH faculty and their students. This allows for interdisciplinary collaboration, increasing research productivity, publication opportunities through increased high-tech research, and assist with obtaining data for competitive grant submissions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 21, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110197
Entities
People
- Horace Crogman
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- California State University, Dominguez Hills
- Office of the Secretary of Defense