MSOE unveils new BioMolecular Engineering Laboratories
| Published: 12/07/2010 |
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Milwaukee School of Engineering will unveil four brand-new BioMolecular Engineering Laboratories on Thursday, Dec. 9. The laboratories, located on the second floor of MSOE's Student Life and Campus Center, feature state-of-the-art equipment that will be used by students in the university's BioMolecular Engineering program.
The laboratories were built with a multimillion dollar gift from Drs. Robert and Patricia Kern who noted that "BioMolecular Engineering will produce graduates with the cross disciplinary skills to improve both engineering and medicine." The new construction includes a Wet Biotechnology Lab, Dry Instrumentation Lab, a BSL-II Cell Culture Facility and Senior Design Lab. In addition, there is a student lounge area and a functional stockroom with access to all four laboratories. "MSOE is the only university in the state of Wisconsin to offer a degree in biomolecular engineering, and these advanced laboratories further solidify the university's role in providing cutting-edge degrees that are in high demand," said MSOE President Hermann Viets, Ph.D.
The storeroom and laboratories are equipped with -20◦F and -80◦F freezers to store DNA, RNA and other biomolecules; storage cabinets with negative pressure that safely contain vapors, macro and micro centrifuges; temperature sensitive UV-Vis spectrophotometers; double jacketed incubators for mammalian cell lines and stem cells, inverted microscopes; and a two-way autoclave that can steam- or dry-sterilize both liquids and glassware through high temperatures and/or high pressure. Thermocyclers and plate readers are on the way, and there are plans to add a GC/MS system and DNA sequencer in future.
"We built these laboratories from the ground up to satisfy the unique requirements of the Biomolecular Engineering program," said Dr. Gul Afshan, professor and BioMolecular Engineering program director. "The equipment here rivals that of professional-grade laboratories and was carefully selected with the end user in mind. This is a tremendous resource to have available for students."
Students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in BioMolecular Engineering take courses that emphasize biology, chemistry and engineering at the molecular scale. This prepares them to be involved in product and process development-from the molecular and nano-scales to large-scale processes-once they graduate. In concert, students are educated in the essential models of design of biomolecules, bioinformatics and thermodynamics necessary to solving complex engineering problems.
Biomolecular engineers are employed in a wide variety of fields. They are highly sought after to develop new products, processes and techniques in clinical settings, hospitals, government and private sector, research, biotechnology, agriculture and more. Graduates can work on designing genome, protein, enzyme and polymer-based smart drugs and developing biochemicals, cosmetics, textiles and more.
About the Kerns
Drs. Robert and Patricia Kern founded Generac Power Systems of Waukesha, Wis. in 1959 out of their garage with one employee, and grew it into a 2,000-person operation with a number of facilities in Wisconsin, the Midwest and overseas. The company produces generators for industrial and consumer markets. The Kerns sold the business in 2006. They are longtime supporters of MSOE and benefactors of MSOE's scholarship programs. Through their phenomenal support of the Kern Center, which opened in 2004, the Kerns have provided first-class wellness, exercise and sports facilities for all MSOE students, alumni, faculty and staff. Robert Kern has served the university as a member of the Board of Regents since 1992 and received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering from MSOE in 2000. Patricia Kern holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from MSOE.
About MSOE
MSOE is an independent university with 2,600 students. MSOE offers 18 bachelor's degrees and 10 master's degrees in the engineering, engineering technology, architectural engineering and building construction, computer, business, nursing and health-related fields. The university has a national academic reputation; longstanding ties to business and industry; dedicated professors with real-world experience; and extremely high placement rates and starting salaries. MSOE graduates are well-rounded, technologically experienced and highly productive professionals and leaders.