Lynn Boyd

lynn.boyd@mtsu.edu

Lynn Boyd

Biology

Discipline specific equipment

SCI 2111

N/A

N/A

The Biology Department currently serves 980 majors working towards B.S. degrees in Biology and Forensic Science. The department has experienced continual increases in enrollment since 2013. We propose the purchase of a state of the art DNA sequencing instrument (ABI SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer) that would allow direct integration of sequencing and genotyping platforms in the classroom. This user-friendly instrument is designed for quick and easy setup and would facilitate direct training of more than 500 students per year in the Genetics (BIOL3250) and Biotechnology (BIOL4550/5550) courses. DNA sequencing is a core component of almost all studies in the field of Biology and access to instruments that perform DNA sequencing will provide students with important proficiencies and will better prepare them for jobs after they graduate. Additionally, feedback from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) indicates that a major downfall of many programs is the lack hands-on experiences for students with DNA analyzers and DNA sequencers. Such instruments are commonly used in crime labs. The capability to expose students to instruments such as the ABI SeqStudio is vital as we submit our accreditation package to FEPAC in Spring 2019. We currently outsource DNA sequencing to a California facility. The purchase of the proposed instrument would allow us to keep this process not only in-house, but in the classroom, to increase student exposure to genetic technologies.