University of Charleston

University of Charleston

Dr. John Taylor Receives Grant to Upgrade STEM Equipment   

The Science, Technology & Research (STaR) division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) awarded two Innovation Grants and seven Instrumentation Grants to purchase modern instrumentation and enhance study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Dr. John Taylor, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Charleston, received $20,000 for “Acquisition of a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) for the Teaching of Spectroscopic Fundamentals and Undergraduate Research.” He will purchase a Perkin Elmer Spectrum Two Fourier transform infrared spectrometer so that students can identify infrared active chemical compounds and functional groups, learn about spectroscopic fundamentals, and apply the technology to undergraduate research projects.

“STaR is pleased to assist our higher education institutions with the purchase of crucial scientific equipment that will help undergraduate students prepare for their careers,” said Dr. Juliana Serafin, senior director of STaR. “This equipment is also critical for research at these institutions.”

Innovation Grants fund scientific equipment, curriculum improvements, minor renovations, and classroom instruction. Instrumentation Grants purchase scientific equipment for advanced undergraduate teaching laboratories and research to encourage students to pursue STEM careers.