The State University of New York at Fredonia has received provisional approval for a $47,450 grant from LI-COR Biosciences that would allow the Department of Biology to purchase a DNA Analysis System, a state-of-the-art tool used in cutting-edge genetics research.
 
"This grant can greatly benefit the students in our Molecular Genetics program," said Dr. Theodore Lee, department chairperson. "This DNA Analysis System is quite expensive, and we chose to pursue this funding opportunity because it offered an excellent opportunity for an institution like SUNY Fredonia to acquire new equipment for our teaching and research."
 
To accept the funds from LI-COR, SUNY Fredonia must match the $47,450 grant. SUNY Fredonia is currently working to attract the attention of donors and alumni in order to raise the needed funds. For donation information and giving options, please contact the Department of Biology at (716) 673-3282 or the Fredonia College Foundation at (716) 673-3321.
 
The DNA Analysis System will allow the 158 undergraduate students in the SUNY Fredonia Department of Biology to further their understanding of molecular sequencing, microsatellites and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Sequencing, Dr. Lee explained, is a process used to determine the DNA sequence of genes and was used by researchers to sequence the human genome. Microsatellites are short, repeated sequences found within the genome that can identify the individual from which a DNA sample was obtained. AFLP analysis allows scientists to study genetic differences between different populations of organisms.
 
"This equipment," noted Dr. Lee, "will be very useful in our teaching and research for years to come."
 
Dr. Lee and Dr. William Brown, also an assistant professor of Biology at SUNY Fredonia, spearheaded the LI-COR grant application process for the Department of Biology. With the support of Dr. David Ewing, Dean of Natural and Social Sciences, and the assistance of the SUNY Fredonia Office of Grant Administration and Research Services, the university was able to secure a portion of the $1.75 million in matching funds offered by LI-COR to institutions nationwide to promote genomic education.
 
"For this particular grant application, there were several individuals who provided strong support," Dr. Lee said. "Dr. Ewing gave us the support we needed to proceed. (Institutional Grant Writer) Amy Cuhel-Schuckers assisted us with the writing of the grant and (Grants Administration and Research Services Director) Maggie Bryan-Peterson worked with us at all stages of the grant submission process. (Biology adjunct) Rhonda Lee, who is teaching our majors Genetics course, was very enthused about incorporating DNA sequencing and microsatellite analysis into the Genetics Lab. This was important as a criteria for the grant was its impact on the undergraduate curriculum.
 
"The commitment of the administration, faculty, and staff to this grant application demonstrates their strong support to provide an outstanding learning environment for our students.