MxCC Science and Health Curriculum Project Receives $20,886 Grant

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Science classes at Middlesex Community College could become significantly more current this fall, thanks to new compound light microscopes that will be purchased with a $20,886 grant awarded to the Middlesex Community College Foundation by the Dorr Foundation.

The grant will enable MxCC to acquire 15 new microscopes and a camera to serve 75 students in Biotechnology and allied health programs.

The new compound light microscopes employ state-of-the-art equipment, similar to that which students may encounter in research and clinical environments. Development of an undergraduate research program is also underway and will be greatly enhanced through the acquisition of these new microscopes.

In addition to the microscopes for student use, the grant is funding the purchase of a microscope with digital technology that can send images to a computer. Student-created work will be able to be integrated into ePorfolio so Biotechnology students can show potential employers a body of their work. The new digital microscopes will enhance these classes by integrating laboratory experiments into the lecture material.

The microscopes will serve about 60 microbiology students and 15 molecular genetics students per year. Marci J. Swede, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and coordinator of the Biotechnology and Forensic Science programs at MxCC, worked with the staff of the MxCC Foundation and the college’s advancement office to develop the grant project.

“Student success is our number one priority,” said college Interim President Dr. Jonathan M. Daube. “Having state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to use, thanks to the Dorr Foundation grant, enhances the education our students receive at MxCC and contributes to their academic success. “

“Ongoing state budget restraints prevented this purchase using college budget resources. We are so appreciative of the Dorr Foundation and their generous support that makes acquisition of these wonderful classroom resources possible,” Dr. Daube said.

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Media Contacts:

Greg Kline, Staff Liaison to MxCC Foundation, gkline@mxcc.commnet.edu, 860-343-6914, Daisy Trahan, Communications Assistant, dtrahan@mxcc.commnet.edu, 860-343-6921, Marlene Olson, Marketing & Public Relations director, molson@mxcc.commnet.edu, 860-343-5869