Muhlenberg College Awarded $370,000 NSF Grant
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Muhlenberg College $370,000 over the next three years to support the project “RUI: Genetic Analysis of the C. elegans Tailless Gene nhr-67."Thursday, March 22, 2007 01:59 PM
The project is overseen by Dr. Bruce C. Wightman, associate professor of biology and Dr. Elizabeth R. McCain, associate professor of biology.
Participants in the project are studying how a gene called tailless, which functions in the development of neural stem cells in vertebrates, coordinates the development of the uterus in the microscopic worm Caenorhabditis elegans. This study helps the group understand how individual genes control the formation of complex organs.
“Continued support from the National Science Foundation advances undergraduate education and provides opportunities for students to make genuine contributions to advancing scientific knowledge,” said Wightman.
Muhlenberg College is dedicated to continuing to build upon their already strong science curriculum. The College recently erected a new 40,000 square foot science center and is currently renovating the lab space, classrooms and offices in its other science facilities
Offering students research opportunities with faculty members is an important part of Muhlenberg’s science curriculum and a core part of their research program. Students at Muhlenberg receive broad intensive training in biology and allied subjects throughout their course work. Direct research experience beyond the classroom is also a vital part of the program.
“With the assistance of the NSF and other foundations and agencies that fund scientific research at undergraduate institutions, Dr. Wightman and his colleagues are able to offer an inquiry-based curriculum that prepares students as scientists and as citizens, with the critical thinking skills to understand scientific discovery and its social, ethical, and political ramifications,” said Marjorie Hass, provost of the College. “Support for science education and research within the context of the liberal arts is very important.”
Muhlenberg College, a highly selective, liberal arts school, has one of the nation’s highest success rates in health profession, law and graduate school placement.
The NSF is an independent US government agency responsible for promoting science and engineering through research programs and education projects.
