Feb20
Posted on Feb 20 by
This semester, Logan is looking forward to expanding his technique in microfluidics by adding QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) into the mix. Adding QCM allows Logan to measure and calculate the amount of solid formed in the device during the experiment of calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate mineralization. However, Logan first needs to work with Dr. Gerdon on creating new QCM microfluidics devices in order to guarantee accurate readings and more reliable results. Logan looks forward to finishing the devices and running QCM microfluidics experiments with...
Feb13
Posted on Feb 13 by
After making progress last semester with intrafibrillar mineralization in the collagen hydrogels using Poly-Aspartic acid and DNA aptamers, Amanda is going to continue to make more hydrogels. This time, she will be mineralizing the gels with a lower concentration of poly-aspartic acid and two different DNA aptamers. Then, she will lyophilize the gels and take IR. Amanda is excited to see how these results compare to the data and SEM images from last...
Feb06
Posted on Feb 6 by
After enjoying a relaxing winter break, Dianna has made it back to the research lab. Last semester ended with one last nanoparticle synthesis using the Azubel method. These nanoparticles were dried and left in the lab for a month until Dianna returned and was able to take NMR of the sample. Although getting into the lab after the first full week of classes was a challenge, it reminded Dianna of how exciting research is and how great it is to be back at Emmanuel. The semester plan is to try out the Templeton synthesis and to compare these results with the Azubel data using TEM and NMR. For now, Dianna and the rest of the GRAB Lab students are just happy to be back in the...
Feb06
Posted on Feb 6 by
This past week the research group (GRAB: Gerdon Research in Analytical Biomaterials) welcomed non-science members of the Emmanuel College community into the Wilkens Science Center for a fun and informative introduction to lab. Emmanuel College faculty, staff, and students joined in even though they had very little (or no) prior experience in science lab work or science research. They learned about what we do related to calcium biomaterials (calcium carbonate related to ocean chemistry and coral reefs; calcium phosphate related to bone and teeth formation) then they participated in some mineralization experiments with an opportunity for them to explore and to mix together anything they wanted from a “menu” of options. The best part was the teamwork between members of the research group and the participants of the program. What a great experience for all! Thank you to the research group, the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and to the National Science Foundation (DMR 1904460) for...
Dec11
Posted on Dec 11 by
The semester is about over and finals are upon us! That means that work in the lab is slowing down, though there are a few more experiments going on in between studying. The group also took a break from the busy end of semester to get off campus and gather over some pizza. We shared achievements from the semester and goals for the spring! The seniors are looking forward to graduation, but also to the ACS conference coming up in March. Others were happy with successful experiments or with new techniques that they learned in the lab. What a great semester – let’s have another great one in the spring. Good luck on all of those final...
Nov20
Posted on Nov 20 by
The GRAB (Gerdon Research in Analytical Biomaterials) Lab is planning an exploration open lab event for Emmanuel College students, faculty, and staff! Perhaps you’ve taken a few sciences courses, maybe you took those science courses quite a few years ago, or maybe you’ve never set foot in a science lab….but, maybe you always wanted to see what it’s like. We want to break down that imaginary barrier between science and you! Come and join us! The goals of this event are two-fold: Introduce you to a chemistry lab in a way that is enjoyable but is also realistic, honest, and safe. Let you explore mineral formation as it relates to bones and teeth or sea shells and coral reefs. If you’re an Emmanuel College student, faculty, or staff, look for more information to coming...
