Research Facilities

Washington State University is engaged in a major expansion in the field of molecular and materials sciences. Consequently, the University's extensive and modern facilities for research in the chemical and biochemical sciences are continually improving. The faculty of the School of Molecular Biosciences and the Department of Chemistry are housed in five contiguous buildings, two of which were recently completed at a cost of $19 million. The latter two provide a low-vibration environment for sensitive experiments such as laser spectroscopic studies and a multi-story facility for organic, inorganic, and biochemical research.

Major facilities at the School of Molecular Biosciences include:

Center for NMR Spectroscopy
The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) center was established with an investment of close to $2 million by the University and federal agencies. Equipment includes a Varian VXR-500 liquid-state 500 MHz NMR spectrometer, a Chemagnetics CMX-400 solid-state 400 MHz wide-bore NMR spectrometer, a Bruker AMX-300 routine hands-on liquid-state 300 MHz NMR spectrometer, and for off-line data processing a number of Silicon Graphics UNIX work stations. The center can be reached by calling (509) 335-3005. The director of the NMR Center is Norm Lewis.

Laboratory for Bioanalysis and Biotechnology (LBB1 and LBB2)
The LBB was established over the course of three years with financial support from the Murdock Foundation and federal funds. Equipment includes a VG 7070 mass spectrometer with FAB, EI, and CI sources, a Hewlett-Packard quadrupole GC-mass spectrometer, an LC-mass spectrometer, an inductively coupled plasma ion chromatograph, a variety of chromatography systems (including LC, capillary GC, supercritical fluid chromatography), an Applied Biosystems 475A gas phase protein sequencer, a peptide synthesizer (ABI 431), a DNA synthesizer (ABI 380B), and a DNA sequencer (ABI 373).

The mass spectrometry lab can be reached by calling (509) 335-3909 and the protein laboratory by calling (509) 335-8670. The two directors are Mike Griswold and Bill Siems.

Biomolecular X-Ray Crystallography Center (BXCC)
A state-of-the-art X-ray crystallographic facilities for macromolecule structure determination are available for use by graduate students. Included are rotating anode generator with mirror optics, imaging plate, diffractomer, computer facilities and graphics. The director of the BXR Center is ChulHee Kang. You can learn more from the website.

Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center (FMIC)
The FMIC is a research and training facility for the study of biological and non-biological materials. The FMIC provides electron microscopy and light microscopy equipment for observation and analysis of a diverse array of specimens. Students, faculty and staff can access the FMIC for formal and informal training, and for conducting research through flexible conditions designed to ensure success in acquiring and analyzing specimen images. The center offers courses in electron microscopy for graduate and undergraduate students each semester.

The FMIC maintains two TEMs, a STEM, a SEM and various light microscopes. Three of the electron microscopes also have EDX analyzers for elemental analysis. All necessary ancillary equipment, computers for image processing and analysis, and three photographic darkrooms are also maintained for student and faculty use. The center provides project consultation and has a skilled staff capable of assisting students and faculty in a wide range of research projects. Faculty and students are welcome to visit the FMIC located on the ground floor of Abelson Hall. Inquiries about services and courses offered or class tours of the facilities can be made by calling (509) 335-3025. The director is Michael Knoblauch.

Nuclear Radiation Center (NRC)
University facilities also include the NMR with a one-megawatt nuclear research reactor, a cobalt-60 irradiator, and a 14-MeV neutron generator for fast-neutron activation analysis, the Water Research center, the Air Pollution Research Unit and the Electron Microscopy Center. Cooperative research projects with the Molecular Science Research Center (MSRC) of Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories at Richland, Washington, provide opportunities for additional access to very well equipped facilities. Advanced communication links support interaction with scientists at this Department of Energy research and development site.

Owen Science Library
The University's modern seven-story Owen Science and Engineering Library is adjacent to the main chemistry and biochemistry facilities and contains extensive holdings in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical physics, and related fields. The library also provides access to national literature search and interlibrary loan services. The library is open 16 hours a day.