The Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) program was designed to increase the participation of minorities in scientific and engineering research. The program provides support to strengthen the research environments and capabilities of institutions that have substantial minority student enrollments. Eligible institutions must also have graduate programs in science or programs in engineering. Researchers at Lehman College will use RIMI support to acquire instrumentation to establish a central facility for research in molecular biology. Investigators in the Department of Biological Science and Chemistry will use the requested equipment to perform research on the analysis of multiple two-dimensional protein gels, analyzing and sequencing of DNA molecules, and conducting chromatographic separation of chemical solutions. These studies will increase the institution's capability to examine the regulation, structure, and function of large biological molecules. This project on molecular biology will strengthen the research infrastructure of an urban university that trains significant numbers of minority scientists. The principal investigator has a very strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology. She publishes in refereed journals and collaborates with excellent investigators in this area. This award will provide opportunities for more minority students to engage in meritorious biological research.
