McDaniel College receives major grant for scientific equipment

McDaniel College has been awarded a four-year grant totaling $580,100 from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation to purchase new state-of-the-art scientific equipment for research and teaching in McDaniel’s Biology, Chemistry, and Health Sciences departments.

A student looks into a microscope while seated next to a professor. — Biology major Madison Wojcik examines insect samples under the microscope with Associate Professor of Biology Holly Martinson during the donor-funded Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Program.

McDaniel College has been awarded $580,100 from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation to purchase new state-of-the-art scientific equipment for research and teaching in McDaniel’s Biology, Chemistry, and Health Sciences departments.

The four-year grant expands access to cutting-edge research and teaching tools for students taking general education and advanced courses in these programs, regardless of major. It also enhances opportunities for undergraduate students participating in McDaniel’s Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research program by broadening the scope of projects that can be undertaken in the sciences.

Examples of specific equipment to be purchased include a virtual 3D anatomy visualization Anatomage Table, a computing and 3D printing lab, and advanced microscopes.

Since fall 2020, McDaniel has added 13 new undergraduate majors that directly prepare students for careers in growing fields. This includes STEM majors in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Additionally, Biology, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences are among the college’s current most popular majors.

“McDaniel will be able to add new scientific equipment required for lab and research experiences and create more high-quality innovative and interdisciplinary opportunities for students,” McDaniel President Julia Jasken said. “This investment in the student and faculty experience comes at the perfect time, enabling us to build on past successes to enhance student learning and, positioning McDaniel as a leader in liberal arts-based STEM education.”

“This investment in the student and faculty experience comes at the perfect time, enabling us to build on past successes to enhance student learning and, positioning McDaniel as a leader in liberal arts-based STEM education.”