Ferris State University receives grant from National Institute of Standards and Testing

Ferris State University has received a $1.92 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Testing. The funding will help the university expand its pharmaceutical testing and research capabilities through the purchase of equipment and the funding of new positions that will give the university the ability to contribute to research that will advance knowledge of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in rural and underserved communities in the state.

According to an article on Ferris State University’s website, Dr. Sonali Kurup, who serves as a professor of Medicinal Chemistry, was quoted as saying of the funding, "The NIST grant provides access to the most advanced instruments, including a 500 MHz NMR, a high-end mass spectrometer with liquid chromatography and solid analysis probe capabilities, a flow cytometer, and a particle size analyzer. This funding has significantly advanced campus research, empowered faculty to pursue new research areas, and expanded opportunities for student training and participation."

Dr. Eric Nybo, who is also a professor of Medicinal Chemistry, added, "Ferris State’s 500 MHz NMR with cryoprobe places the university among a select number of colleges with this level of instrumental capability. It sustains Ferris State’s position at the forefront of medicinal chemistry while giving students direct access to advanced research tools.”

The 500 MHz NMR cost almost $1 million, and the university was able to purchase one thanks to the grant funding. This piece of equipment, along with a new benchtop LCMS, flow cytometer, and gas chromatograph, will give Ferris State University researchers the ability to research in their field with the type of equipment usually only researchers from major research institutions (R1 universities) have access to.

In addition to this equipment, the university also purchased a backup generator that will provide enhanced emergency preparedness in the event of power failures. The university will also hire a laboratory chemical analyst to assist with training and implementation for the new equipment, as well as the development of protocols. 

Dr. Thomas Dowling, who serves as the director of Ferris’ Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and professor in the College of Pharmacy, said of the university’s use of its funding, “We have identified deficiencies in research infrastructure and coupled this with our desire to enhance innovation and resource capacity across the University.”

The expected benefits of the funding and the research the university will be able to conduct thanks to it are the attraction of top faculty and researchers, and address shortages in the biomedical research industry.

For more information about Ferris State University, visit the school’s website.