Feb 05, 2013
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DONATES LAB EQUIPMENT TO COLUMBIA STATE
(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Feb. 20, 2012) - - - Sitting in corners of National Laboratories in Illinois and California, the U.S. Department of Energy identified six pieces of equipment that could be used more efficiently. Moving quickly to reach the front of the line, the Grants Office of Columbia State Community College was able to acquire the items for its science labs. The equipment includes three oscilloscopes, a microscope, a hygrometer and a frequency meter.
"It's a windfall for our science students," Grant Manager Claudia Johnson said. "The equipment is valued at over $33,000 and would be difficult to procure based on normal budget cycles."
Glenn Hudson, Ph.D., associate professor of math, was delighted with the crates that began to arrive. "The equipment will be used in our physical science, physics and chemistry laboratories," he explained. "These items allow students to make more sophisticated measurements which in turn allows faculty to create new lab experiences for our science students."
"The equipment will be tested, evaluated and incorporated into laboratory exercises as quickly as possible," Hudson said.
Johnson pointed out that the equipment comes to the college for the cost of shipping. "It's the ultimate in recycling," she laughed. "These major national labs didn't need the equipment and instead of letting it sit, they approved the equipment transfer to Columbia State. We will be good stewards of its use."
Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.
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