Award Abstract #0820977
MRI Acquisition of Molecular Biology Laboratory Instruments: The Tree of Life Branches out to MSUM

NSF Org:	DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure
Initial Amendment Date:	September 5, 2008
Latest Amendment Date:	September 5, 2008
Award Number:	0820977
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Steven E. Ellis DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2008
Expires:	August 31, 2011 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$31893
Investigator(s):	Linda Fuselier fuselier@mnstate.edu (Principal Investigator) Brian Wisenden (Co-Principal Investigator) Michelle Malott (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Minnesota State University Moorhead 1104 7th Avenue South Moorhead, MN 56563 218/477-2011
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9184
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

A grant has been awarded to Minnesota State University, Moorhead to expand and strengthen collaborative research programs, and to incorporate faculty research into research training courses for undergraduates. Funds from this award will be used to purchase two instruments necessary for molecular biology research. The instruments, a gel visualization system and tissue homogenizer, are integral to a variety of research projects ranging from elucidation of evolutionary relationships among the very earliest of land plants to understanding environmental impacts on population genetics of migratory dragonflies. Undergraduate students will use these molecular biology instruments as they learn to isolate DNA, and gather and analyze molecular data that will be used in larger projects. In particular, the instrumentation will stimulate a collaboration between two universities working on a segment of the ?tree of life? project and thus, provide undergraduates and their mentors an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of the evolution of life on earth.

Incorporation of these instruments into the undergraduate science curriculum will provide more students with molecular research experience and maximize integration of faculty research with science education. The importance of integrating molecular skills into a research-infused curriculum cannot be overstated, especially in an age when DNA is used not only to discern evolutionary relationships but to convict or exonerate criminals. Importantly, students will graduate with real-world research experience and a skill set that will make them competitive in the global marketplace.

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