1. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumentation & Collaboration USF has a dedicated as well as qualified faculty in the sciences, exhibiting excellence in both teaching and research. Given the present undergraduate research situation at USF, a coordinated approach to placing student/mentor teams in challenging settings to do research can yield highly beneficial results, given the promising support of the INSURE project.

2. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumentation & Collaboration USF is requesting two instruments: 1. HPLC: The BUCK BLC-20 uses the MS-Windows based Cecil Data Control software/ IBM compatible computer. The pumps run under the control of the software, using a Data Flow interface, to form the required gradient profiles.

3. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumentation & Collaboration Completely integrated design provides full functionality in a small footprint suitable for many types of analyses. Fully configured systems include reverse-phase C-18 column, solvent delivery system, syringe, and detector. Variable wavelength systems give high resolution selectivity with a 5nm band pass and a high throughput 13µl flowcell. Suitable for any type of HPLC application: Cosmetics, Foods, Education, Pharmaceuticals, Polymers, Petrochemicals, Paints, Pigments, and Botanicals.

4. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumentation & Collaboration 2. Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS): The 6920YSI (YSI) series is an economical (hand-held) logging system for long-term, in-situ monitoring and profiling. Monitors up to 15 parameters simultaneously at user-selectable intervals. The field sampling equipment will allow for sampling local aquatic systems more quickly and efficiently for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, temperature, nitrates, ammonia, chloride, chlorophyll, etc.

5. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumentation & Collaboration Obviously, these instruments are essential components for our research in the chemistry of natural products and the analysis of contaminants in soil and water projects. In addition, these instruments shall be available to our cohort institutions for use by faculty and students. My current experience with remote operation of the FT-NMR instrument at Governor State University is a testimony to the success and efficiency of the collaborative work among multiple users.

6. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Impact The INSURE project will impact on the educational experience of our undergraduates in three important ways: 1. For the first time ever, Freshmen and Sophomores will have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful research experience with their faculty mentors. 2. The INSURE project will create a climate of scientific collaboration and excitement between and among the various academic constituencies, especially, virtual instrumentation. 3. The residual effect of the INSURE project will motivate our institution to sustain the success of the project by seeking creative ways of funding of future research projects.

7. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Laboratory Facilities and Instrumentation at USF

8. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Organic Chemistry Lab

9. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Organic Chemistry Lab

10. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Chemistry Stockroom

11. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumental lab: UV-VIS

12. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumental Lab: FT-IR

13. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 Instrumental Lab: GC-MS

14. Illinois Network for Science Undergraduate Research Experience (INSURE) National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Center Site Visit May 3, 2004 For More Information Contact Professor Salim M. Diab Department of Natural Sciences University of St. Francis 500 Wilcox Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-740-3855 Fax: 815-740-4285 Email: sdiab@stfrancis.edusdiab@stfrancis.edu