Elmira College will soon receive $480,000 in federal funding to make technology upgrades and replace high-tech science lab equipment. The money, secured with the aid of Congressman Nick Langworthy, will modernize EC’s academic infrastructure, strengthen STEM education, and support workforce development in the Southern Tier.
“This funding will ensure Elmira College students–the majority of whom are local to our state and region– have access to the modern technology and tools they need to compete, conduct meaningful research, and prepare for in-demand careers,” shared Langworthy. “Workforce development and strengthening our talent pool of skilled workers must be a priority if we are going to attract good-paying jobs to our region.”
The funding will be used primarily to upgrade the College’s IT infrastructure to increase network bandwidth. The improved bandwidth will help students conduct research, especially when they use laboratory equipment that transfers large amounts of data. For example, students in the Earth Sciences program frequently use a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software that requires large data sets to visualize information on a map. The program helps students with research that can be used to plan for environmental changes, such as coastal erosion.
The funding will also be used to purchase a new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. This critical laboratory equipment provides students with insights into the molecular structure of a compound and has applications across multiple fields of study, including Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Medical Lab Sciences, and Forensic Science.
With this tool, students can identify substances such as pollutants in the environment or poisons used in a crime scene.
“Because we have smaller, close-knit classes, our students can jump into research opportunities and work with high-tech lab equipment, like an NMR spectrophotometer, in their first year,” said Corey Stilts, Associate Professor of Chemistry and the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Chair at Elmira College. “Right from the start, they are getting rich, hands-on experiences where students at larger colleges often don’t get to work with devices like this until they are upperclassmen and sometimes not until their graduate level. This instrument will give our science students an advantage when entering graduate school or the workforce.”
“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Langworthy for securing this critical funding and for making an investment in Elmira College and our community a clear priority,” said Elmira College President Chuck Lindsay. “This support will directly benefit our students by enhancing science instruction and research, while strengthening the local workforce pipeline that helps drive economic growth in the Southern Tier. Congressman Langworthy’s leadership ensures Elmira College can continue preparing students for the careers our region needs, now and in the future.”
