A major need exists in the training of minority students in the sciences. Delaware State University, a public land-grant institution, provides an ideal setting for initiating a significant change in the number of appropriately prepared students. With the opening in 1995 of a new Science Center (750 sq. ft. new laboratory space dedicated to this training facility), we propose to develop programs that will train students, both undergraduate and graduate, in the uses of molecular biology techniques. We selected this area due to its broad application in biological sciences and the anticipated benefit to minority students in particular who have been traditionally under-represented in molecular biology fields. The expertise of the faculty is well suited to train students in the diverse uses of the techniques of molecular biology. Although the listed investigators will be the initial users, the facility will be open to all faculty in order to develop the scientific expertise needed for the students to become competitive in their career advancement. Obtaining this equipment and the establishment of the training facility for students will also form the basis for additional research grant moneys to enhance minority training in the sciences and allow us to more aggressively pursue industrial collaborations. The proposal specifically describes the needs and rationale for the equipment and the broad principles of training that will be used.
