Progress 09/15/03 to 09/14/08
Outputs
This project was aimed at training African American students in molecular biology and biotechnology. Several graduate students were recruited in the project and provided work study opportunity for training in biotechnology and work toward their Master's degree with specialization in biotechnology. They were trained in various aspects of biotechnology including isolation of RNA, DNA and protein, electrophoretic separation of proteins, PCR and instrumental analysis. As a result they chose several biotechnology related topics and have successfully completed their thesis research and graduated with specialization in biotechnology. In addition to student training this project was also aimed at strengthening biotechnology infrastructure in the College of Engineering Sciences and Technology, FAMU. In this regard HPLC, PCR and electrophoresis equipment was purchased which enhanced our capability in isolation and characterization of nucleic acids, proteins and various metabolites. Further, efforts were also devoted to develop and offer a new laboratory based biotechnology course to provide hands-on experience to students and increase their expertise in biotechnology. This effort was intended to increase student confidence and expertise in biotechnology and to promote their entry into job markets in the areas as food science, forensics, and gene technology and to improve their career opportunities in upcoming areas. A new biotechnology course (AGG 2050 L) with lab base was offered in fall 2007. The course was arranged into four modules - Module I: Basic laboratory Skills which included demonstration of preparation of buffers, solutions, adjusting pH and mathematics skills required in a biotechnology laboratory. Module II: Protein characterization and separation methods which included isolation of proteins, separation by 1-D and 2-D PAGE and Western Blotting. Module II: Molecular techniques including RNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and Northern and Southern Blotting. Module IV: Bioinformatics which included introduction to various software to identify proteins such as PD Quest and Scaffold and DNA sequencing. Through this project we have provided hands-on training in biotechnology methods to the undergraduate students enrolled in the course (AGG 2050 L). At the end of course, the enrolled students greatly appreciated the course content and are willing to consider entering into the graduate program with emphasis in biotechnology. In addition, we have served as mentors to other faculty and students within the Department as well as across the campus in the areas of molecular biology and proteomics by providing our expertise in protein isolation, DNA, RNA, electrophoresis, HPLC, tissue culture, TLC, application of PCR, RT-PCR, amplification of specific DNA/RNA sequences and rationale design of primers for PCR. We continue to work closely with the Tallahassee Community College by giving demonstrations of our research work to the biology students that come to visit the Center for Viticulture every year. PRODUCTS: A. Introductory Biotechnology Course AGG 2050 L is being offered during the fall semester. B. Three grduate students have completed their thesis research in biotechnology and have graduated. Currently they are employed in the industry and academics. OUTCOMES: The AGG 2050L course has enabled our students to enter the biotechnology workforce with confidence and high expertise. This project has strengthened our capacity in proteomics and genomics by enabling procurement of much needed instrumentation such as HPLC system and PD-Quest 2-Dimensional gel documentation and analysis system. Financial support from this project supported student recruitment and retention in the program as well as in the College which increased participation of African American students in various areas of gene and protein technologies. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: 1. The students who worked in the lab on various biotechnology projects have made presentations at several scientific meetings and conferences. 2. The abstracts of these presentations have been published in the conference proceedings. 3. The results of their research have been published in national and international journals. FUTURE INITIATIVES: a. Continue to offer the biotechnology course developed through this project. b. Organize and conduct biotechnology workshops and seminars for the benefit of high school science teachers as well as community college students. c. Increase public awareness about biotechnology and its benefit to consumers and agriculture by conducting seminars and field days for the public and farmers. d. Develop and offer new advance courses and programs to attract minorities into agriculture and health sciences to increase their confidence and involvement in high tech careers. e. Develop advance degree and certificate programs in gene technologies to retrain and increase awareness among the current employees working in the concerned areas.
Impacts
a. Continued support and completion of biotechnology hands-on training and course work has increased minority student's expertise and confidence to enter graduate programs and explore diverse opportunities for employment in biotechnology industry, and government and private institutions. b. Financial support provided through work study from the grant funds has helped College recruit and retain students in the program and in the College. c. This project has helped increase biotechnology awareness among college, community college and high school students, teachers and administrators. d. Project activities helped strengthen off-and on-campus biotechnology research and educational programs. e. Several undergraduate students are seriously considering biotechnology carriers and entering into higher education programs while the graduate students are considering enrolling into Ph.D. programs.
Publications
- Vasanthaiah HKN, Katam R and Basha SM. 2008. Characterization of Unique and Differentially Expressed Proteins in Anthracnose-Tolerant Florida Hybrid Bunch Grapes. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology DOI 10.1007-s12010-008-8380-3.
- Vasanthaiah HKN, Katam R and Basha SM. 2008. Efficient Protocol for Isolation of Functional RNA from Different Grape Tissue Rich in Polyphenols and Polysaccharides for Gene Expression Studies. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 11:1-8.
- Vasanthaiah HKN and Basha SM. 2008. Why Molecular Approach To Develop Disease Tolerant Grapes. Grape Times, December 2008 Newsletter, Florida Grape Growers Association, pp 5.
- Vasanthaiah HKN and Basha SM. 2008. Muscaveratrol:A Novel Stilbene from Muscadine. Grape Times, June 2008 Newsletter, Florida Grape Growers Association, pp 2-5.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
The primary objective of this project was to strengthen biotechnology infrastructure in the College as well as offer new laboratory based biotechnology course to increase student expertise in biotechnology to encourage their entry into developing fields of gene technology and improve their career opportunities. A new biotechnology methods course (AGG 2050 L) was offered in Fall 2007. The course was arranged into four modules - Module I : Basic laboratory Skills which included demonstration of preparation of buffers, solutions, adjusting pH and mathematics skills required in a biotechnology laboratory. Module II : Protein characterization and separation methods which included isolation of proteins, separation by 1-D and 2-D PAGE and Western Blotting. Module II : Molecular techniques including RNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and Northern and Southern Blotting. Module IV: Bioinformatics which included introduction to various software to identify proteins such as PD
Quest and Scaffold and DNA sequencing. Through this project we have provided hands-on training in biotechnology methods to the undergraduate students enrolled in the course (AGG 2050 L). At the end of course, the enrolled students greatly appreciated the course content and are willing to consider entering into the graduate program with emphasis in food biotechnology. In addition, we have served as mentors to other faculty and students within the Department as well as across the campus in the areas of molecular biology and proteomics by providing our expertise in protein isolation, DNA, RNA, electrophoresis, HPLC, tissue culture, TLC, application of PCR, RT-PCR, amplification of specific DNA/RNA sequences and rationale design of primers for PCR. We continue to work closely with the Tallahassee Community College by giving demonstrations of our research work to the biology students that come to visit the Center for Viticulture every year. Two graduate students have completed their thesis
work and currently are employed in the industry and academics. Funding from this grant has enhanced our ability to recruit and train minority students in biotechnology as well as increase their confidence in pursuing higher education and terminal degree. Currently a new graduate student has enrolled into the program and is working on characterization of the wine-haze proteins of muscadine wines. In addition, we were able to acquire much needed laboratory equipment to strengthen the biotechnology laboratory facility on campus. These efforts have enabled the College to consider offering of new degree programs such as premed, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, etc., in our College.
PRODUCTS: A. Introductory Biotechnology Course AGG 2050 L was offered in Fall 2007. B. Two grduate students completed their thesis in biotechnology and have graduated. Currently they are employed in the industry and academics. B. A new graduate student has enrolled into the program and is working on characterization of wine haze proteins in muscadine wines.
OUTCOMES: The AGG 2050L course has enabled our undergraduate students to enter the biotechnology workforce with more confidence. The project has helped strengthen our capacity in proteomics and genomics by helping us procure instrumentation such as Waters HPLC system and a Bio-Rad gel documentation system. Funding from this project has helped recruit and retain students in the College which facilitated increasing participatin of minorities in the developing areas of gene technologies.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: a. The graduate students supported by this project have made several presentations at the scientific meetings and conferences. b. The abstracts of these presentations have been published in the conference proceedings. c. The results of their research are also being written up for publication in scientific journals.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: a. To implement the biotechnology methods course in Fall 2008. b. To conduct biotechnology workshops for the high school science teachers and community college students. c. To increase the biotechnology awareness to general public and farmers by conducting seminars and field days. d. Develop new courses and programs to attract minorities into agriculture and health sciences. e. Develop advance graduate level courses in gene technologies
Impacts
a. Successful completion of the biotechnology hands-on training and course work has increased minority student's expertise and confidence to enter into graduate programs and explore diverse opportunities for employment in various biotechnology companies and institutions. b. Work study opportunity provided through this grant has helped to recruit and retain students into the program. c. This project has helped generate awareness in biotechnology among college, community college and high school students and teachers. d. Strengthened off- and on-campus biotechnology research and education programs. e. Undergraduate students are considering entering into biotechnology graduate program while one of the graduate student is considering enrolling into the Ph.D. program.
Publications
- 2. Hemanth Vasanthaiah, Ramesh Katam and Sheikh M Basha, 2007. Molecular analysis of anthracnose in Florida hybrid grapes. Presented at the Annual Meeting of Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists, Mobile, March 3-5.
- 1.Hemanth Vasanthaiah and Sheikh M Basha. 2008. Grape Biotechnology Program. Annual Meeting of Florida Grape Growers Association, Ocala, FL. January 17-18.
- 3. Ramesh Katam, Hemanth Vasanthaiah and Sheikh M Basha, 2007. Identification of water deficit responsive polypeptides in Florida hybrid grape. Presented at the Annual Meeting of Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists, Mobile, March 3-5.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
This project has enabled us to provide hands-on training to undergraduate and graduate students in biotechnology dealing with various tools and techniques employed in biotechnology research. We have found that most students enrolled in an undergraduate program come with very limited laboratory skills. The aim of this project was to train these students in laboratory procedures such as lab safety, basic laboratory mathematics like ratios, percentages and proportions, making solutions and buffers, adjusting pH, learn to use analytical instruments like precision balance, centrifuges, autoclaves, laminar hood, pipettes, and basic biotechnology techniques including chromatography and electrophoresis. In addition we have served as mentors to other faculty and students within the Department as well as across the campus in the areas of molecular biology and proteomics by providing our expertise in protein isolation, DNA, RNA, electrophoresis, HPLC, tissue culture, TLC,
application of PCR, RT-PCR, amplification of specific DNA/RNA sequences and rationale to design of primers for PCR. In addition we are continuing to train high school science teachers in biotechnology. We have identified several high schools in nearby counties and have visited them and provided the science teachers with biotechnology teaching materials such as videos, CDs and brochures to increase the biotechnology awareness. Two graduate students were recruited under the program. One has finalized his thesis on Grape Xylem Chemistry and another student has recently started working on Wine Haze Proteins. During the course of their Master's program these students have obtained working knowledge on biotechnology methods and are now trained to perform techniques such as protein isolation, 1- and 2-D electrophoresis, analysis of metabolites like sugars, amino acids and phenolic substances. The Master's student has presented his research findings at several professional conferences. We
have also procured proteomics instruments like automated 2-Dimensional Electrophoresis System (Bio-Rad) which makes demonstration of 2-D electrophoresis less time consuming and cumbersome. We are also in the process of procuring a Gel Documentation System and a new HPLC system which will greatly enable our efforts to strengthen the biotechnology program at FAMU. The biotechnology methods course which was schedule to begin in Fall 2006 has been rescheduled for Fall 2007.
PRODUCTS: a. One graduate student has finalized his Master's thesis on Grape Xylem Chemistry and expects to graduate this Spring. b. A second graduate student is working on Wine Haze Proteins and is expected to graduate next year.
OUTCOMES: a. With the hands-on experience obtained during the course of this project our students are more confident about entering the biotechnology workplace. b. This project has enabled us to formulate a undergraduate biotechnology methods course. c. It has helped us strengthen the proteomics facility by procurement of a automated 2-D gel electrophoresis system.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: a. The graduate students supported by this project have made several presentations at scientific meetings and conferences. b. The abstracts of these presentations have been published in the conference proceedings. c. The results of their research are also written up for publication in scientific journals.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: a. To implement the biotechnology methods course in Fall 2007. b. To conduct biotechnology workshops for the high school science teachers. c. To increase the biotechnology awareness to general public and farmers by conducting seminars and field days.
Impacts
a) On completion of hands-on training and course work, we believe that the students are better prepared to get into a graduate program and explore diverse opportunities for employment in various biotechnology companies and institutions. b) The project helped recruit and retain graduate students into the program by providing financial incentives. c) Generated awareness in biotechnology among college and high school students and teachers. d) Increased understanding of biotechnology among the community groups and farmers. e) Various biotechnology components were incorporated into the syllabus of high school and college courses. f) Strengthening of on-campus biotechnology research and education programs.
Publications
- Sheikh M Basha, Ramesh Katam, and Naik KSS. 2007. Identification of Drought Responsive Proteins in Peanut. Peanut Science
- Vasanthaiah H KN, Ramesh Katam, and Sheikh M Basha. 2007. Efficient Protocol for Isolation of Functional RNA from Different Grape Tissue Rich in Polyphenols and Polysaccharides for Gene Expression Studies. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
- Mehboob S Basha, Ramesh Katam, and KSS Naik 2006 Differential expression of mRNA transcripts and proteins in leaf tissues of peanut genotypes to water stress. Plant and Animal Genomes XIV Conference, Jan 14-18, 2006 San Diego, CA
- Ramesh Katam, Hemanth KNV and Sheikh M Basha 2006 Water Stress Induced compositional changes in peanut leaf. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 14rh Biennial Research Symposium April 1-4, 2006, Atlanta US p 83
- Hemanth KNV, Ramesh Katam, and Sheikh M Basha 2006 Identification of Differentially expressed gene/s in Anthracnose-tolerant grape genotype. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 14th Biennial Research Symposium April 1-4, 2006, Atlanta US p 84-85
- Ramesh Katam, Hemanth KNV and Sheikh M Basha 2006 Differential Response of Grape genotypes to water stress Association of Research Directors, Inc. 14rh Biennial Research Symposium April 1-4, 2006, Atlanta US p. 237
- Vasanthaiah, H. K. N. and Basha, S. M, 2007. Functional Genomic Approach to Analyze Pierces Disease in Grapes-Manuscript ready to submit Vasanthaiah, H. K. N. and Basha, S. M, 2007. Transcripts induced upon Xylella fastidiosa infection in Grapes-25 sequences submitted to NCBI database
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
This proposal is designed to introduce the students to a new lab based course on Biotechnology techniques and instrumentation. This course is primarily aimed at training the undergraduate students to work in a Biotechnology Laboratory and become familiar with laboratory protocols including lab safety, preparing buffers and solutions, learn basic laboratory mathematics and then conduct the routine biochemical and molecular techniques used in modern day biotechnology laboratory such as isolating proteins, DNA, RNA, electrophoresis, HPLC, tissue culture, TLC, etc. The application of PCR and RT-PCR will be followed to make the students aware of the amplification of specific DNA/RNA sequences and rationale design of primers for PCR. Course material will also include sample preparation and sequencing for exposing the students to the sequencing technique, analysis and interpretation of the sequence results. DNA finger printing will be demonstrated using various markers
including RAPD, SSR, AFLP for better understanding and utilization in studying the genetic diversity, comparative mapping etc. The course schedule has already been submitted to the Academic Affairs and it is schedule to begin in fall 2006. In addition we are also training high school science teachers in biotechnology. We have identified several high schools in nearby counties and have visited them and provided the science teachers with biotechnology teaching materials such as videos, CDs and brochures to increase the biotechnology awareness. Two graduate students were recruited in the project. One student has graduated and the other is working toward his Masters degree with specialization in biotechnology. His dissertation topic Characterization of Xylem Proteins Form Different Grape Varieties is in the final stage of submission. During the course of his masters program he has learnt several biotechnology techniques including extraction of grape xylem proteins and SDS-PAGE. He has
also presented his research in several national conferences. The other student has worked on studying the accumulation pattern of phenolics in muscadine and FL hybrid bunch grape genotypes. He has extensively characterized the phenolics in grape skin, pulp and seed during berry maturation as well as determined genetic variation in phenolics among the grape genotypes. Furthermore, he has also studied changes in antioxidant activity of the grape berry tissue during berry maturation. After graduation he was highly recruited by Miller Brewing Company.
PRODUCTS: a. One gradaute student successfully completed his masters program assisted by funds from this project and is currently employed by Miller Brewing Company. b. Another gradaute student is about to submit his dessertation and is looking for job opportunities in the biotechnology field.
OUTCOMES: a. The most important outcome of the project is the hands-on training the students obtained in biotechnology methods. This enabled them to confidently enter the biotechnology workplace or pursue further studies. b. This project helped develop a new lab biotechnology course geared toward training the undergraduate students. c. This project had played an important role in assiting international institutions establish on-campus biotechnology research and education programs, and revise curriculum to include biotechnology component.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: a. The gradaute students supported by this project have made several presentations at scientific meetings and conferences. b. The abstracts of these presentations have been published in the conference proceedings. c. The results of their research are also being written up for publication in scientific journals. d. In addition the students have presented their activities to the public during field days.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: a. To train more number of undergradute and gradaute students from College of Pharmacy, Biology and chemistry departments in biotechnology methods. b. To conduct biotechnology workshops for highschool science teachers. c. To increase biotechnology awareness to general public and farmers.
Impacts
a. On completion of their hands on training and completion of course work, we believe that the students will be better prepared to get into a graduate program and explore diverse opportunities for employment in various biotechnology companies and institutions. b. Helped recruit and retain graduate students into the program by providing financial incentives. c. Generate awareness in biotechnology among the college and highschool students and teachers. d. Better understanding of biotechnology among the community groups and farmers. d. Incorporation of various biotechnology components in to the syllabus of high school and college courses. e. Strengthening of on-campus biotechnology research and education programs.
Publications
- Brown, B. and Basha, S.M. Interrelationship between Xylem Sap Composition and Pierce Disease Tolerance in Grape. MANNRS Annual Conference, March 31-April 2, 2005, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Brown, B. and Basha, S.M. The Link between Xylem Sap Composition and Pierce Disease among Grape Cultivars, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Society of America, Soil Science of America, Annual Conference November 6-11, 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Basha SM, Mazhar H, Katam R and HKN Vasanthaiah. (2006) Improving grape disease tolerance and nutraceutical values via biotechnology. Annual Meeting of the Florida Grape Association, Ocala, FL Basha, SM,
- Katam R, Mazhar, H and KSS Naik. (2005). Differential Response of Peanut Genotypes to Water Stress. Prospects and Emerging Opportunities for peanut Quality and Utilization Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Basha, SM, Katam R, KSS Naik (2005) Variation in Drought induced protein Expression among peanut genotypes. 37th Annual Meeting of American Peanut Research and Education Society, Portsmouth, Virginia, July 11-15, 2005
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
This project is aimed at training minority students in the areas of molecular biology and biotechnology. Two graduate students were recruited in the project and are working toward their Masters degree with specialization in biotechnology. They are being trained in various areas of biotechnology including isolation of DNA and protein, electrophoresis, PCR and instrumental analysis. They have presented their research at several scientific conferences. An undergraduate introductory biotechnology laboratory course is being developed to start from Fall 2005. The course is aimed at providing hands-on training to undergraduate as well as graduate students. Syllabus of Introduction to Biotechnology laboratory course include various components of biochemistry and molecular biology. The training will include hands-on experience in laboratory methods for isolating DNA, RNA and protein, electrophoresis, HPLC, tissue culture, TLC, etc. The application of PCR and RT-PCR will be
followed to make students aware of the amplification of specific DNA/RNA sequences and rationale design of primers for PCR using bioinformatics tools. The training will also include digestion of phase DNA with EcoR I and cloning the resulting DNA fragments into suitable vector. The recombinant molecules/DNA will be characterized by electrophoresis, and transformed into competent bacteria for further multiplication. Course material will also include sample preparation and sequencing of the clones for exposing the students to the sequencing, analysis and interpretation of the sequence results. Experiments on enzyme kinetics, and isolation and separation of proteins are the major components included in the proteomics area. This will enable the students to design experiments for evaluating expression profiles of specific protein products as they will utilize techniques of SDS- PAGE and Capillary gel electrophoresis for proteins, Northern blot, Dot blot and Western blot assays. DNA finger
printing will be demonstrated using various markers including RAPD, SSR, AFLP for better understanding and utilization in studying the genetic diversity, comparative mapping etc.
Impacts
a. Helped recruit and retain graduate students into the program and college by providing financial incentives. b. Generated interest and awareness in biotechnology among the college and highschool students and teachers. c. Better understanding of biotechnology among the community groups and farmers. d. Incorporation of various biotechnology components in to the syllabus of high school and college courses. e. Strengthening of on-campus biotechnology research and education programs. f. Assisted international institutions establish on-campus biotechnology research and education programs, and revise curriculum to include biotechnology component.
Publications
- Changes in phenolics and antioxidant activity of muscadine grape genotypes during berry development. 2004. American Society of Enology and Viticulture, San Diego, CA. Differential response of peanut to water stress. 2005 International Peanut Confernece, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Differences in xylem sap composition among grape genotypes. 2005. Annual Meeting of Florida Grape Growers Association. Ocala, FL.
- Interrelationship between xylem sap composition and Pierce's disease tolerance. 2005. MANNARS General Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Immunochemical charactrization of methionine-rich proteins from peanut. 2004. Australian J. Experimental Agriculture 44: 1-4.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
This project is aimed at training minority students in the areas of molecular biology and biotechnology. Two graduate students were recruited in the project and are working toward their Masters degree with specialization in biotechnology. They are being trained in various areas of biotechnology including isolation of DNA and protein, electrophoresis, PCR and instrumental analysis. They have presented their research at several scientific conferences. An undergraduate introductory biotechnology laboratory course is being developed to start from Fall 2005. The course is aimed at providing hands-on training to undergraduate as well as graduate students. Syllabus of Introduction to Biotechnology laboratory course include various components of biochemistry and molecular biology. The training will include hands-on experience in laboratory methods for isolating DNA, RNA and protein, electrophoresis, HPLC, tissue culture, TLC, etc. The application of PCR and RT-PCR will be
followed to make students aware of the amplification of specific DNA/RNA sequences and rationale design of primers for PCR using bioinformatics tools. The training will also include digestion of phase DNA with EcoR I and cloning the resulting DNA fragments into suitable vector. The recombinant molecules/DNA will be characterized by electrophoresis, and transformed into competent bacteria for further multiplication. Course material will also include sample preparation and sequencing of the clones for exposing the students to the sequencing, analysis and interpretation of the sequence results. Experiments on enzyme kinetics, and isolation and separation of proteins are the major components included in the proteomics area. This will enable the students to design experiments for evaluating expression profiles of specific protein products as they will utilize techniques of SDS- PAGE and Capillary gel electrophoresis for proteins, Northern blot, Dot blot and Western blot assays. DNA finger
printing will be demonstrated using various markers including RAPD, SSR, AFLP for better understanding and utilization in studying the genetic diversity, comparative mapping etc.
PRODUCTS: a. Two graduate studens are being trained in the project. b. Serving as thesis advisor to one graduate student. c. Will result in three Master's thesis at the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research with emphasis in biotechnology. d. Provided Supervised Research and DIS opportunity to graduate and undergraduate students. e. Student presentations at the professional meetings.
OUTCOMES: a. Undergraduate and graduate students received hands-on training in biotechnology. b. Increased awareness about biotechnology among the students. c. A laboratory based biotechnology course is being developed for offering starting Fall 2005. d. Financial incentive helped retain students in the program. e. Participation and research presentations by students at the conferences and meetings.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: a. Student recruitment at the North Florida Career Fair, 2004. b. Presentation of research results by students and faculty at the departmental, University and professional meetings and conferences. c. Participation in the field days to share research outcome among the community groups and farmers. d. Conduct seminars and lectures on biotechnology at the area schools to increase biotechnology awareness among the middle and high school students and science teachers.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: a. Offer laboratory based biotechnology course starting Fall 2005. b. Recruit additional graduate and undergraduate students into the biotechnology program. c. Continue providing hands-on training to graduate and undergraduate students within the department and across the University. d. Provide access to the biotechnology laboratory and training facilities to the faculty and students from other departments to encourage their participation in biotechnology and enhance collobarative research among the campus faculty.
Impacts
a. Helped recruit and retain graduate students into the program and college by providing financial incentives. b. Generated interest and awareness in biotechnology among the college and highschool students and teachers. c. Better understanding of biotechnology among the community groups and farmers. d. Incorporation of various biotechnology components in to the syllabus of high school and college courses. e. Strengthening of on-campus biotechnology research and education programs. f. Assisted international institutions establish on-campus biotechnology research and education programs, and revise curriculum to include biotechnology component.
Publications
- Changes in phenolics and antioxidant activity of muscadine grape genotypes during berry development. 2004. American Society of Enology and Viticulture, San Diego, CA.
- Differential response of peanut to water stress. 2005 International Peanut Confernece, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Differences in xylem sap composition among grape genotypes. 2005. Annual Meeting of Florida Grape Growers Association. Ocala, FL.
- Interrelationship between xylem sap composition and Pierce's disease tolerance. 2005. MANNARS General Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Immunochemical charactrization of methionine-rich proteins from peanut. 2004. Australian J. Experimental Agriculture 44: 1-4.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The new directions in the agricultural sciences dictate that the U.S. should train biotechnologists for the future, not only to maintain its leading position in the world crop and animal production, but also to address the issues related to food needs, health and priorities of 21st century. In order to accomplish these goals an integrated laboratory based undergraduate and graduate course was offered in biotechnology. The lecture class covered different aspects of protein chemistry such as protein classification, structure, synthesis, amino acids, protein isolation, monoclonal antibodies and genetic engineering. The laboratory course covered the basic techniques of DNA and RNA isolation, use of enzymes in biological reactions, gel electrophoresis, analysis of nucleic acids and PCR.
Impacts
Introduction of such courses will strengthen academic background and technical skills of the students. The project will also help in the establishment of a self-supporting biotechnology course, continued student enrollment, production of well-trained graduates in biotechnology as well as faculty development and strengthened linkage among FAMU, USDAD and industry personal.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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