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Spectrometer acquisition aids sciences

Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, professor of chemistry, demonstrates to Norma Alvarez, chemistry lab manager, how to use the Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (FTNMR) spectrometer. The instrument was donated to the University by Johnson and Johnson IOLAB in Claremont. / photo by Ary Farajollahi
Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, professor of chemistry, demonstrates to Norma Alvarez, chemistry lab manager, how to use the Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (FTNMR) spectrometer. The instrument was donated to the University by Johnson and Johnson IOLAB in Claremont. / photo by Ary Farajollahi

by David Sutton
Sports Editor

Recent donations to the University of La Verne’s Natural Science Department have made for significant gains by adding much-needed state-of-the-art equipment to put the school’s facilities on the level of larger universities.

When Johnson and Johnson’s IOLAB in Claremont shut down its pharmaceutical division last year, some of the firm’s equipment and supplies became available. Acquisition of these materials became possible via a former chemistry major, Bob Citron, who was working at the laboratory and ULV’s University Relations. The department was able to gain access to donated chemicals and glassware and, most importantly, the state-of-the-art instruments.

A Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer and a High Performance Liquid Chromoto­graph are the greatest additions to the department. The department has received several donations, including a Gas Chromotograph-Mass spectrometer, UV-Visible spectrometer and other equipment. The machines are available to all science students, but are primarily used for chemistry classes.

“For a school of this size it is unusual for such state-of-the-art equipment to be used by undergraduate students,” said Dr. Iraj Parchamazad, professor of chemistry.

Typically, many schools have this type of equipment available only for graduate studies and research.

“Students get hands on experience with these instruments. They get to work on them as undergraduates. The experience of working with the ma­chines prepares them for the job market as well as grad school,” he said.

The experience is very important because the students will have advanced training as undergraduates, rather than waiting for graduate school.

“Graduates from other universities cannot get jobs without going to graduate school,” said Dr. Parchamazad. The availability of these instruments to the students at La Verne, allows them to be more advanced when they graduate.

Although the machines are greatly appreciated, there are a few problems. According to Dr. Parchamazad, money is needed for maintenance as well as for more faculty members. Most of all, Dr. Parchamazad would like to see more students coming to La Verne to get the opportunity to advance their skills.

David Sutton
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Ary Farajollahi
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