The aim of this project is the strengthening of the undergraduate science students' experience in modern instrumentation. The college has acquired the equipment necessary to expose students particularly to spectroscopy (spectrometer, sensitive balance and computers and related software). Spectroscopy has become the standard technique for determining the structure of products formed in a chemical reaction; the students are using the equipment in organic chemistry classes. Through the equipment, the students have gained an opportunity to combine the theories of spectroscopy with experimental experience, learning its diverse and powerful applications first hand. This project is particularly significant because it goes beyond simply modernizing a laboratory to increasing student awareness of growing critical issues in science such as pollution generated by waste chemicals, and introducing them to a cost- effective means of dealing with such issues. Further, the instrumentation is helping the college provide quality science education to a student body which consists predominantly of women (66%), educationally and economically disadvantaged individuals (72%), and members of ethnic minorities (80%). This is not only enhancing their science education, but is also helping to stimulate and motivate these students towards further participation in the scientific arena. The institution has contributed to this project in an amount equal to the NSF funds.
