This Major Research Instrumentation award funds the acquisition of a Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometer (LC ESI-MS) at Hiram College. The new LCMS system provides a unique way to elucidate the structure of molecules in complex experiments, and will help faculty at Hiram College to identify fatty acids in biological samples (plasma & insects), detect secondary plant metabolites, analyze large chlorinated compounds, and differentiate metabolic profiles of wild-type and mutant Xenopus. The research projects at Hiram College are at the forefront of their respective fields and will be used as a training ground for undergraduates both in classroom courses and independent research projects. The LCMS will be used as part of a collaborative program at Hiram College, "Research in the Classroom," that allows students to experience real world research problems as part of their coursework. Such an approach fosters independent thought within each student in the classroom as they conduct their research in the field or in the lab. Results from the studies conducted with the LCMS will be broadly disseminated through abstracts and peer reviewed publications, as well as by active participation of students and faculty at professional meetings.
The generous funding of the NSF allowed Hiram College to purchase a Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization (LC-ESI) Mass Spectrometer. This device allows researchers to separate and identify individual chemical constituents from a mixed sample. Hiram College used the LC-ESI mass spectrometer to carry out original research in the areas of immunology, development, animal behavior, ecology, and chemistry. The equipment provided training to dozens of undergraduate students who would not ordinarily have access to such modern tools. These students will go on to become the next generation of scientists and physicians, in part due to their training with this device. In immunology, the LC-ESI MS was used by dozens of students to identify lipids generated by bacteria that cause tuberculosis in the endangered white wing wood duck. Samples were obtained from infected and non-infected birds, and compared to find the presence of markers for infection. In addition to training students, the project allowed for the identification of several markers for infection that might help in treatment of the disease and management of the captive populations of this species. In developmental biology, the device was used in conjunction with the training of several students to examine changes in DNA sequences that lead to altered brain and eye development in the frog. The equipment allowed the development of some novel techniques for screening for DNA mutations linked with changes in animal development. In animal behavior, several students were trained in the isolation of tannins from acorn and walnut species. These chemicals control seed selection, seed dispersal, and food intake in small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and mice. Understanding which tannins are present and in what amounts allows for further behavioral work in comprehending interactions between plants and animals, and the natural course of succession in forests. A faculty member at Eastern Kentucky University also participated in the study. The LC-ESI MS was used to develop a novel method for identifying microscopic parasites living in insects found in streams. These interactions between insects, their food, their competitors, and their parasites are important to stream health and understanding how human and other factors impact the natural environment. Students received training on the equipment and important insights that cut across disciplinary bounds. Finally, a faculty member at Hiram used the equipment to attempt to assay air pollution and water pollution in the local area. In addition to training several students, the approach used is providing some novel methods for detecting and measuring pollution. We thank the NSF for their generosity and support.
