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Please contact Ken Keeler at 936-6663 (kkeeler@umich.edu)
Displaying 151 - 160 of 204
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Maillard Laboratory
3/07/2014
The Maillard laboratory is interested in the study of blood-forming stem cells, blood cell development and the development and function of T lymphocytes. Our research focuses on characterizing the mechanisms that regulate maintenance of stem cells at different stages of development, knowledge that may provide insight into diseases such as leukemia and other cancers. Our group utilizes techniques including flow cytometry, cell culture, PCR, immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. We are in the process of switching to safer Gel Red in place of toxic ethidium bromide. Waste streams generated are disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines.
"We are excited to be part of the OCS program. It has been a wonderful way to learn about what our research group can do to be more energy and green conscious on campus. By working with the OCS program, we were able to learn about safer methods such as Gel Red as a replacement for Ethidium Bromide as well as energy saving recommendations for our equipment. We were also introduced to the chemical reuse program that saves the environment and money for the lab!" Ann Friedman, Manager
Civil & Environmental Core Analytical Facility
3/02/2014
This core analytical facility housed with wide variety of instruments provides analyses on water samples to measure anions, trace metals and other target analytical parameters to support research carried out by our faculty and students in our department. Our instrumentation includes, gas and chromatographs, mass spectrometers, ion chromatograph etc. Waste generated in the lab is disposed of adhering to OSEH guidelines.
"The core laboratory for the Environmental and Water Research program have incorporated and implemented sustainable research practices with a continued focus on safety and hazardous waste reduction. Important behavioral modifications include neutralizing and reducing chemical waste, recycling packaging materials, replacing the use of acetonitrile with the safer alternative, as well as conserving energy by turning off small equipment and computers." Tom Yavaraski, Laboratory Manager
Garner Laboratory
2/02/2014
The research goal of the Garner Laboratory is to use chemical biological approaches to study the biology of mRNA translation, or protein synthesis, which has shown to be dysregulated in a number of human diseases, including cancer, obesity and diabetes. The anticipated outcome of these investigations in the validation of mRNA translation-related targets for future drug discovery efforts. To complete these studies, we rely on approaches such as small molecule and peptide library synthesis and assay design and development to facilitate screening efforts to identify chemical probes for our targets, which include protein-protein interactions involved in cap-dependent mRNA translation initiation and microRNAs that regulate the translation of select mRNAs. With probes in hand, we will complete chemical genetic and pharmacological evaluations of these molecules in human cells and animals to validate our targets and further elucidate their therapeutic relevance.
"As a new Assistant Professor, participation in the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program provided me with valuable information on what resources are available at the University so that I can create a more environmentally conscientious research laboratory. It also helped to recognize good laboratory practices that we can implement to enhance our sustainability for many years to come, including the use of Gel Red as a safe alternative to ethidium bromide, which has worked beautifully in my laboratory. I would also like to highlight the ChEM Reuse program, which is particularly advantageous for young faculty who are growing their labs with limited resources!” Prof. Amanda Garner, PI
Dootz Laboratory
1/31/2014
Our work involves in designing and making ocular prosthetics for patients. Handmade ocular prosthetics are custom produced by polishing and fine grinding from PMMA plaster, an acrylate polymer. Some solid waste including PMMA polymer is generated in the lab and disposed of according to U-M OSEH regulations.
"Sustainability has great long term advantages not only for our U-M labs but also for the environment. I am glad that the OCS has started this program and I got a chance to participate in it. I would like to see that this is explored to other labs across the campus.” Dr. Gregory Dootz, PI
Garcia Laboratory
1/24/2014
Our research focuses on antibiotic discovery in two areas. Tuberculosis (TB) is a global human health problem, causing 1.4 million deaths in 2011. Current TB drugs require longterm treatment and poor compliance promotes the emergence of drug-resistant strains. We are using a structure-based approach to discover improved RNAP inhibitors in collaboration with Murakami Lab at Penn State (structural biology studies). Our second project involves Shigella flexneri, a human enteropathogen that infects 165 million people and claims 1 million lives a year worldwide. Targeting Shigella virulence pathways is attractive as it is expected to exhibit less emergence of drug resistance and no effect on normal colonic microbiota. We have successfully screened 140,000 compounds and 20,000 natural product extracts against VirF, which initiates expression of the key Shigella virulence genes and have found a number of compounds which have efficacy in a cellular infection model.
"Participation in the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program presented us with the opportunity to re-emphasize the importance of doing things in an environmentally responsible way to protect the well-being of people and the environment.” Dr. Irosha Nawarathne, Safety Liaison
Nandakumar Laboratory
11/25/2013
Our lab does a lot conventional biochemistry involving purified proteins and DNA substrates. In addition, we do molecular cloning. We also perform protein crystallography and human cell culture. Waste generated in our lab is disposed of adhering to OSEH guidelines.
"We are very happy and proud to be part of the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program, because it allows us to conduct research in both a safe and a responsible manner. We completely agree with and advocate the recycling, waste management, and power-saving policies of the program.” Prof. Jayakrishnan Nandakumar, PI
Meeker Laboratory
11/21/2013
In our lab we collect, process, store, and in some cases analyze environmental and clinical samples as part of several large epidemiology studies investigating environmental contributors to human reproductive and developmental diseases and disorders.
"There are some easy and practical sustainability principles to follow that can not only result in less impact on the environment, but can also result in greater lab safety and significant cost savings. I hope every other lab in the School of Public Health and throughout the University goes through this program.” -Prof. John Meeker, Principal Investigator
Paradigm Laboratory
11/12/2013
Our work focuses on next generation sequencing and general molecular biology assays. We perform histology staining, nucleic acid extractions, PCR and sequencing. We have a variety of equipment ranging from centrifuges to PCR machines, heat blocks, incubators, an oven, in addition to microscopes and other life sciences lab instruments. Waste generated is disposed of adhering to regulations governed by campus OSEH.
"Dr. Robert Penny and his team at Paradigm strive to implement and maintain as many sustainable practices as possible while ensuring the highest standard of patient care. After meeting with Dr. Reddy, some small changes were implemented to further this goal such as getting plug strips for small equipment to facilitate the shutdown of multiple instruments and turning off lights in rooms that are not in use." Beth DuRoss, Technical Specialist
Laboratory for Complex Materials Research
11/12/2013
Our work focuses on polymers research involving organic electronics, thin films characterization, and polymer physics. Some equipment we regularly use in the lab includes lasers, a solar simulator, inert glovebox, atomic force microscope, vacuum ovens, spin coaters, laminar flow hoods, FTIR, UV-VIS, and metal evaporator. The waste generated is disposed of adhering to OSEH regulations.
"We are committed in our research efforts to develop sustainable practices and technologies. We should show the same level of commitment to sustainability with our everyday laboratory practices as well." Anton Li, Safety Liaison
Monto/Ohmit Influenza Lab
10/31/2013
Our lab is involved in influenza virus surveillance and vaccine efficacy studies. During the flu season we process throat/nasal swabs by first extracting RNA and then testing with a Real Time RT-PCR assay. We collect sera from study participants which are tested for antibody titer against influenza virus vaccine and circulating strains using hemagglutination and neuraminidase inhibition assays. We also study other respiratory viruses that circulate during the flu season.
“We the members of the Monto/Ohmit Influenza lab have embraced and implemented sustainable research practices with a focus on reducing energy use, recycling and conserving. We have committed to unplugging items that draw vampire power when we can anticipate periods of no use, turning equipment off, and have adjusted our deep freezers up to -72C from - 80C. We participate in the pipet tip box recycling program, triple rinse reagent bottles so they can be recycled, collect Styrofoam and packing peanuts for recycling pick up, and designated a place for recycling pens and pencils. We will continue to strive for improvement wherever possible, and spread the word about this program.” -Rachel Cross, lab manager & safety liason