Project Summary/Abstract:
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a Catholic university in San Antonio, with
an undergraduate population of more than 4000 students that form an enthusiastic
community of learners predominated by educationally underrepresented groups (UR,
60%), first generation college students (26%), and financial aid recipients (48% Pell).
UIW’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a long record of promoting student
engagement in research and seeks funding to support the expansion of research activities
in our undergraduate teaching and research laboratories with the purchase of a Bio-Rad
NGC Quest 10 Plus Chromatography System. The chromatography system with
accessory modules will be used to purify proteins in a diverse set of projects seeking to
investigate the role and capabilities of proteins in cellular processes. These projects will
provide students with a platform to build their skills for a biomedical career as they take
part in our Biochemistry Laboratory courses. Students will also have the opportunity to
work on faculty lead research seeking to understand the natural biochemical and
treatment pathways of different human diseases. Currently, said projects rely on inefficient
techniques, such as gravity affinity chromatography, or collaborations outside of UIW
which reduce student involvement. Therefore, the acquisition of this instrument will
significantly contribute to the skills development and biomedical career preparation of a
diverse pool of undergraduates while enhancing the capabilities of our research programs
which will culminate in cementing deeper understanding of the various roles that proteins
play in human diseases.