Ashland University partners with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments for new equipment, academic access to scientists

Ashland University has partnered with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, the American subsidiary of the Japanese Shimadzu Corporation, in order to acquire for new pieces of equipment for its Kettering Science Center and to take part in the company’s SPARQ program, which stands for Shimadzu Program for Academics, Research and Quality of Life.

According to an article on Ashland University’s website, Katie Brown, Ph.D., who serves as the dean of Ashland University’s College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted as saying of the partnership and the benefits it brings, “I am delighted to work with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to enhance the Kettering Labs because the SPARQ program represents a true partnership. Shimadzu has worked closely with our faculty and staff to ensure that the selection of instruments is catered to our student learning outcomes. Shimadzu also ensures that our faculty will have the support they need to make the most effective use of the new equipment in both teaching and research. These new instruments will significantly expand the topics and methods that our faculty and students can explore in their research projects.”

The gift of the equipment totals about $500,000, and includes four machines. One of the instruments is the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer, which will be used to analyze toxic metals. Another of the instruments is the Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer, which detects trace chemical compounds within samples. The Nexera Gel Permeation Chromatography System will provide polymer-specific analysis. Finally, the Nexera Ion Chromatography System analyzes water samples. These machines will provide immense benefit to any student who uses the Kettering Science Center labs, especially those in the chemistry, environmental science, and toxicology programs.

Jeff Weidenhamer is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Ashland University. He said of the new equipment, “One of the things we pride ourselves on is to give students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. Students come here because of the instrumentation we have in lab that they know they are going to get trained on. This will help us to continue to attract excellent students.”

Matthew Chaidez, who is the regional manager of Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, said, “We at Shimadzu are very excited for this SPARQ partnership with Ashland University and to see how the faculty and students expand their research experience. Ashland now has a state-of-the-art lab that ensures any testing needs are within their capabilities. I am personally most excited for the students. Having this level of instrumentation and experience as an undergraduate will be an invaluable tool to prepare them for their futures in the science field and ensure they are set apart from their peers at other universities. Hopefully in the near future, we have a few AU graduates come join the Shimadzu team and help lead the way for our future as well.”

The SPARQ partnership is an exclusive opportunity that requires an invitation from Shimadzu in order to participate. Ashland University is one of only a handful of schools in the country that has been invited to participate in the program. It involves allowing both instructors and students at Ashland University to have access to and participate with Shimadzu scientists on projects.

Rebecca Corbin, Ph.D., who is the chair of the department of chemistry, geology, and physics, shared her appreciation for Shimadzu. She said, “It is an honor to be part of the Shimadzu SPARQ program. Not only will the new equipment help to sustain and to expand our chemical instrumentation laboratory, but this initiative is a great step forward in our deep-rooted efforts to provide hands-on opportunities for scientific study. We are excited about this truly transformative partnership.”

Dave Jorissen, who is the sales director at Shimadzu, explained why Ashland University was selected for this partnership. He said, “Shimadzu is delighted to establish this partnership with Ashland University. Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate their already outstanding chemistry program by providing cutting-edge instrumentation. Our commitment extends beyond technology; we look forward to fostering continued collaboration with Ashland’s incredibly talented students and faculty. We view this as the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

The gift of equipment and partnership with Shimadzu was made possible by donations from several people and entities, including Jeff Gorman, Sherrill Hudson, Richard Metz, Donald Sens, Dawn Swit, the dean’s office of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Chemistry, Geology, and Physics.

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