Story: Lisa Sollie
First NIH award for 91看片网 aligns with University鈥檚 plans for growth and expanded research opportunities
A grant from the is making way for new biomedical research opportunities for students and faculty at the 91看片网. The funding is 91看片网鈥檚 first National Institutes of Health (NIH) award, marking a significant milestone in the institution鈥檚 research growth.
The $163,475 award will support the acquisition of an Attune CytPix flow cytometer, a sophisticated instrument that uses lasers to analyze individual cells. The new equipment will expand opportunities for hands-on student learning, faculty and student research and instruction at 91看片网.
鈥淭his award represents exactly the kind of investment envisioned in 91看片网鈥檚 10-year strategic plan,鈥� said 91看片网 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淏y bringing advanced technology to our campus, expanding research opportunities and leveraging external funding, we are building institutional capacity in ways that will benefit our students, faculty and the communities we serve for years to come. This is an important milestone for 91看片网 and a strong example of how innovation, technology and financial stewardship can work together to move our University forward.鈥�
Dr. Brian Keener, who will serve as principal investigator for the instrument, believes the funding represents a major step forward for experiential learning and research at 91看片网. Keener is a professor of biology and serves as director of 91看片网鈥檚 Cahaba Biodiversity Center.
鈥淎cquiring the Attune CytPix is not simply an equipment request鈥攊t is a strategic investment in establishing sustained, grant-funded biomedical research and as well as other general biological research at 91看片网,鈥� Keener said. 鈥淭he possibilities for our students, faculty, and future research are truly limitless.鈥�
According to Keener, the flow cytometer will support biomedical research at 91看片网 in immunology, plant biodiversity, microbial resistance, and environmental health. These fields are directly relevant to public health challenges such as infectious disease, climate resilience, and antibiotic discovery. Integrating the instrument into research and education will strengthen 91看片网鈥檚 research capacity, enhance faculty competitiveness for NIH funding and provide underserved undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on training in critical biomedical technologies.