Non Technical Summary
The Center for Integrated BioSystems (CIB) is a centralized resource for agricultural and life science research on the Logan campus of Utah State University (USU), an 1862 Land Grant University. Flow cytometry and cell sorting are critical components of many research programs at USU. Because our current fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) has reached the end of its useful lifespan, it became imperative that we replace our FACS with a modern, high-end FACS that will support agricultural and biological research at USU for the next 15-20 years. As has been the case with our current FACS, our new BD FACSDiscover S8 will support diverse research projects in reproductive biology, physiology, pharmacology, virology, bacteriology, food science, and plant science. Many of the research projects that will be supported by the new FACS are funded fully or partly by USDA grants and/or capacity funds. These projects address three of NIFA's strategic goals: (Goal 1) Combat climate change to support America's working lands, natural resources and communities; (Goal 2) Ensure America's Agricultural System is equitable, resilient, and prosperous; and (Goal 4) Provide all Americans safe, nutritious food.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
301	3999	1030	30%
305	3999	1030	30%
311	3999	1030	30%
201	2499	1080	10%

Knowledge Area
311 - Animal Diseases; 305 - Animal Physiological Processes; 201 - Plant Genome, Genetics, and Genetic Mechanisms; 301 - Reproductive Performance of Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3999 - Animal research, general; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1030 - Cellular biology; 1080 - Genetics;

Goals / Objectives
The goal of this project is to replace our 16-year-old fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS), which has reached the end of its useful lifespan, with a modern, high-end FACS that will support agricultural and biological research at USU for the next 15-20 years. To achieve this goal we will purchase a BD FACSDiscover S8 with advanced spectral and image technologies. We anticipate that the new FACS will be fully functional within six months of the grant being funded.

Project Methods
This project will use advance spectral flow cytometry for multiparameter interrogation of single cells and CellView Image Technology to gain novel insights into distinct cell populations. It will also use the six-way and plate sorting capabilities of the BD FACSDiscover S8 to sort selected cell populations for downstream analysis, the propagation of selected cell lines, and the development of transgenic animals for biomedical research and agricultural production.