Science instruction at ESU to benefit from federal grant

A federal grant will bolster laboratory space and research equipment in Emporia State University’s Departments of Physical Science and Department of Biological Science.  

The $190,000 grant will furnish an advanced biotechnology laboratory and upgrade a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer in the chemistry instrumentation laboratory on the Emporia campus. The grant complements other funding to ESU, including programs funded by the National Institutes of Health.

“Both investments enhance ESU’s capability for instruction and collaborative student and faculty research,” said Dr. DeWayne Backhus, chair of ESU’s Departments of Physical Science.

Dr. Brent Thomas, biology department chair, said he hopes to have the new equipment and lab upgrades in place during the spring 2010 semester.

“The ultimate outcomes are graduates prepared to take advantage of additional educational opportunities, and contribute to a workforce of educated professionals,” added Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president.

“Each year, ESU produces 40 to 60 graduates in the combined biochemistry/molecular biology, biology and chemistry majors,” Backhus said. “Many continue their educations in medical school or other health-related professional schools, while others seek employment with public agencies such as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” he added.

Some ESU graduates have been recognized for exceptional career accomplishments. For example, Karen Kelly (BS biology, 1978) is a recognized lung cancer expert and is deputy director of the Cancer Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Randy Scott (BS chemistry, 1979) is co-founder and executive chairman of Genomic Health, Inc., in Los Altos, Calif. In 2005, Genomic Health was honored as one of the top 100 private technology companies in North America. Scott will be recognized at ESU’s homecoming this fall as a distinguished alumnus.

Last Updated September 11, 2009>