The U.S. Department of Energy National
Laboratories in Illinois and California identified numerous pieces of equipment
that could be of use to colleges and schools throughout the country. Moving
quickly to reach the front of the line, the Grants Office of Columbia State
Community College was able to acquire six items for its science labs. The
equipment includes three oscilloscopes, a microscope, a hygrometer and a
frequency meter.
“It’s a windfall for our science
students,” said Claudia Johnson, Director of Grants for the CSCC Office of
Advancement. “The equipment is valued at more than $33,000 and would be
difficult to procure based on normal budget cycles.”
Glenn Hudson, Ph.D., associate
professor of math, was delighted with the crates that began to arrive.
“The equipment will be used in our
physical science, physics and chemistry laboratories,” he explained. “These
items allow students to make more sophisticated measurements which in turn
allows faculty to create new lab experiences for our science students.”
Hudson said the equipment will be
tested, evaluated and incorporated into laboratory exercises as quickly as
possible.
Johnson pointed out that the equipment
comes to the college for the cost of shipping.
“It’s the ultimate in recycling,” she
noted. “These major national labs didn’t need the equipment and instead of
letting it sit, they approved the equipment transfer to Columbia State. We will
be good stewards of its use.”