Acquisition of Genomics Instrumentation at Florida A&M University to Enhance Research-based Pedagogical Student Training and Education Projects of Relevance to the DoD
Abstract
The aim of this proposal is to further enhance the genomics instrumentation facilities in the School of the Environment (SoE), at Florida A&M University (FAMU). FAMU is the nationÕs top public HBCU, founded in 1887 as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and is part of the State University System of Florida with an enrollment of ~10,000 students and offers 70 bachelorÕs degrees, 40 masterÕs degrees, 3 professional degrees and 12 doctoral degrees and has satellite campuses in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa. FAMUÕs motto is Òexcellence with caringÓ, and the university is dedicated to advancement of knowledge, the resolution of complex issues and the empowerment of citizens and communities. Dr. Chauhan will serve as the PI, with an established a state-of-the-art Environmental Biotechnology laboratory (EBL) at SoE, supported by grants exceeding $6M from agencies such as DoD (Army Research Laboratory grants (#W911NF-10-1-0146 and #W911NF-10-R-0006; total funding $931,719), DoE, NSF, USDA, and other sources. In fact, the EBL is one of very few at an HBCU that trains MS and Ph.D. students. This award will result in the acquisition of an instrumentation system consisting of a DNA analyzer, a digital PCR (dPCR) and two gene sequencers, such that significant enhancement in genome-centric research-based student recruitment, education, and training activities at FAMU can be accomplished. Note that this advanced instrumentation is not available to FAMU researchers and currently all the analysis is outsourced. The instrumentation will also be leveraged to attract young scholars to join STEM programs in FAMU; note that PI is actively engaged every summer in providing mentorship to local high school students as an outreach activity. High school students conduct research, collect data and present in science fair competitions. Therefore, acquired instrumentation will positively impact student activities from high school to doctoral levels, and students will be encouraged to utilize the equipment to perform DoD relevant genomics research. Graduate student-led research training projects will be developed in coordination with DoD collaborators and will facilitate training opportunities to aid in safeguarding national security and self-reliance by advancing understanding on microbially-mediated activities, including but not limited to ecosystem services (e.g. bioremediation of contaminants), warfighter-health by developing resilient human microbiomes, biological warfare and bioterrorism agents, generation of renewable energy production (e.g. biodiesel, jet fuels and bioelectricity) and investigations in emergent areas such as monitoring the fate and transport of the COVID-19 pathogen. Procured equipment will be available to several STEM academic departments at FAMU, including but not limited to, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Engineering, Allied Health, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and other STEM units. Moreover, the equipment will foster further collaborations and cross-fertilization between FAMU and scientific collaborations via the Army Research Laboratory/ DEVCOM, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Navy Research Laboratory, thus contributing to the training minority students that remain underrepresented in STEM, so that students become competitive for STEM careers, especially for the DoD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210145
Entities
People
- Ashvini Chauhan
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida A&M University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense