Proposal

Narrative

Recent advances in the Life Sciences have revealed the indispensable role of communities of microorganisms (microbiomes) in the health and disease of living things, including humans. This emerging field of study cuts across all biology – from plants to sharks to turtles to humans and environmental health and climate change. Our laboratory is perhaps the most immersed in the study and teaching of microbiomes. Although general microbiology labs and other microbiology programs in the department provide important introductory learning experiences for many students, they are not designed to provide students with the sort of rapidly evolving workplace skills and tools for Microbiome science as needed. Microbiome research has been at the forefront of public health and food security, such as wastewater surveillance and smart toilet technologies for early warnings of a pandemic. Many students from various Engineering departments and other FAU units use the facilities in our laboratory. The numerical strength of students trained is growing annually by several folds. In addition, the unique learning niche that the microbial biotech laboratory at the Boca Campus offers students is impactful and worthy of note. About 20 student units conducted experiential learning sessions in our lab last year on gut microbiomes, bio-inoculant library, and scalp microbiome in hair loss. Courses that use the lab are the DIR courses BSC 4910 and other multidisciplinary clubs. The intensive and extensive use of our equipment in the Spring of 2022 led to the breakdown of key instruments (microcentrifuge and two types of thermal cycles). Replacement of these has become an urgent and desperate need. Courses potentially needing the instruments MCB 3020L 240 students a year, BSC 4403 18 students annually. Tiny Earth Program 400 students BOT4734C 18 This proposal seeks to procure the following equipment, which is much needed to continue to provide adequate training for our students.

Facilities

None required

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

None

Personnel Costs

No additional personnel costs needed

Other Costs

None

Timeline

If funds are granted, equipment will be purchased immediately for use in the lab.? By the end of Spring 2023, all equipment will be procured and set up for use.

Sustainability

The equipment requested are easy to maintain without requiring outside professionals. They are sturdy and durable. They each come with a manufacturer's warranty.

Resource Matching

None

Implementing Organization

The equipment will be domiciled in the Sanson building of DAU Boca - Biological Sciences. No additional storage or rental costs are envisaged.