Carlow University received a grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh that will enable the chemistry department to purchase a new spectrophotometer.
| Marketing and Communications | For Immediate Release |
| Drew Wilson, Director, Media Relations | May 11, 2016 |
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Awarded by Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh’s College Equipment Grants Program
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Carlow University was awarded a grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh to assist the chemistry department in purchasing a new Thermo Fisher iS5 FT-IR Spectrophotometer.
“The spectrophotometer will directly support student learning in the program curriculum, as well as learning through faculty-student collaborative undergraduate research projects,” said David Gallaher, PhD, associate professor and chair of the department of chemistry at Carlow.
The grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh is for $6,000, which combined with matching funds from a donor will allow Carlow to purchase the $13,000 Thermo Fisher iS5 FT-IR Spectrophotometer.
Spectrophotometers can be used extensively by students at any level of the chemistry curriculum. First year students in general chemistry courses may use the instrument to help learn about molecular bonding theory, where they begin to understand the relationship between atomic mass, bond strength, and vibrational frequency. At the sophomore level, students in organic chemistry courses begin their hands-on training to acquire and prepare samples for study. At the junior and senior levels, IR spectroscopy is expanded to include the analysis of chemical mixtures.
“We are also looking at the creation of several new courses, including a new forensic science laboratory course, and the new spectrophotometer will be invaluable in the creation and execution of this course,” said Gallaher. “Carlow University prides itself on producing highly trained and knowledgeable scientists who go on to graduate school or move directly into laboratory or teaching positions. This grant will continue to provide our students with hands-on laboratory experiences using spectroscopic methods of analysis.”
The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) is dedicated to promoting science education in colleges and universities by providing instrumentation and supplies through the College Equipment Grants Program (CEGP). The purpose of this equipment grant is to contribute to science programs at colleges and universities with enrollments of no more than 7,500 undergraduate students. The grant is to be used for the purchase of new instrumentation or to upgrade existing instrumentation, accessories and equipment related to the study of spectroscopy.
### About Carlow University
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Tech, Ed, and Med” district. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow’s graduates, curriculum, and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice; ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership; and service to the community that has a meaningful impact. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in three major areas: Health and Wellness, Leadership and Social Change, and Innovation and Learning. Carlow graduates are in demand for their professional expertise, in fields ranging from nursing, the sciences, and perfusion technology to counseling, education, and forensic accounting; their entrepreneurial spirit and creative mindset; and their ability to manage change. Carlow’s eleven athletic teams are known as the Celtics, a reflection of the university’s Irish heritage and roots.