The Chemistry Department has been relying on an old model of spectrophometer (Spec20s) manufactured before 1980 for student use in our teaching laboratories. While these instruments are very rugged, they are quite obsolete and the crucial parts for essential maintenance are no longer available after more than 20 years of operation. We previously had eight working Spec20s spectrophotometers in the Fall 2024 semester. However, half of these instruments have broken down before the start of the Spring 2025 semester while the rest can no longer be maintained sufficiently due to lack of compatible parts. Fund is used to purchase smaller instruments or equipment for use in our teaching and research laboratories. Our students use the equipment in collaboration with faculty as part of a teaching laboratory or research program.
Purchasing eight new state-of-the-arts Genesys spectrophotometers to replace the obsolete instruments will benefit both our students and instructors of the laboratory courses. Students will have hands-on experience with a modern tool that meets the current industrial standards and thus will be more prepared for their future career. At the same time, our instructors can utilize their time teaching and assisting students in learning important chemical concepts and essential laboratory skills rather than troubleshooting obsolete instruments.
To meet the learning needs of our students, it would be ideal to have eight instruments per laboratory class of 24 students, which would translate to a ratio of three (3) students per instrument. This ratio allows each student hands-on experience of operating a state-of-the-arts instrument and will prepare students for future science courses as well as their careers. Through Day of Giving donations in 2025 and additional gifts, we are halfway to meeting our needs. We are asking for funds for two more of these instruments from Day of Giving but would happily buy up to four should we double our goal!
Donations to this project will support the Chemistry Department Equipment Fund.
Forever Washburn Campaign Pillar: Teaching and Program Excellence
