Hartford, Conn., September 6, 2006—Trinity College has been awarded a grant of $308,000 by the National Science Foundation for acquisition of a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. Under the direction of chemistry professors Timothy P. Curran and Richard V. Prigodich, the award allows for the replacement of the College’s current 300 MHz spectrometer and some enticing new options for undergraduate and faculty research.

Nuclear magnetic resonance is one of the most powerful tools available to chemists for elucidating the structure and shape of molecules. The majority of researchers at Trinity are involved in research in which the structure and shape of target molecules is investigated, and these researchers rely on NMR in their work.

Curran expects the new spectrometer to arrive by the summer of 2007, replacing the college’s current 18-year-old spectrometer. “Given the advances in technology over the last 20 years, we are definitely due for a new one,” Curran points out. “NMRs age like dogs, and 18 years is a long time for either a spectrometer or a dog to be around.” Continuing his canine analogy, he adds, “But we’ve taken good care of our puppy, so it’s lasted.”

Acquisition of the spectrometer will enhance the education of students at Trinity College by enabling them to examine much more complex molecules than previously. “That’s one of the hallmarks of coming to a school like Trinity,” Curran explains. “At a large university, undergrads wouldn’t be allowed near equipment like this, especially first-year students or sophomores. Here, we encourage all students to use everything we have available.”

Because of the College's commitment to undergraduate research, chemistry and biochemistry graduates from Trinity have gone on to make significant contributions to the scientific enterprise in the United States. Curran notes, “The broad impact of this proposal is that acquisition of this instrument will continue and enhance the education of the next generation of scientists.”

back to top