This project allows the chemistry department of Bemidji State University to improve and modernize its advanced undergraduate laboratory instrumentation. The goal of this project is to expose the advanced laboratory students to state of the art instrumentation. The acquisition of an HPLC, a fraction collector, a rotary evaporator, and a freeze dryer allows students in advanced organic lab to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from plant sources. This "chemistry project" is a one quarter long chemistry experiment where the students learn advanced techniques in extractions, separations, bioassay methodologies, and organic structure elucidation. The acquired instrumentation is also used in biochemistry, immunology, and instrumental labs. The institution is matching the NSF grant with an equal amount of funds.
