Sustainable Laboratory Certified Labs

Do you want to get your laboratory on the list?

Please contact Ken Keeler at 936-6663 (kkeeler@umich.edu)

Displaying 161 - 170 of 204

Gold

Flow and Reaction in Porous Media Laboratory

10/25/2013

In our lab we research asphaltene and wax precipitation and deposition. To study asphaltene precipitation, long term kinetic and thermodynamic experiments are conducted. In these experiments, crude oil or model oil systems are destabilized with n-heptane and carefully monitored using optical microscopy, gravimetric analysis, and small angle x-ray scattering. Additional asphaltene investigations focus on the use of chemical inhibitors and molecular simulations. Studies of wax deposition in our group have historically been computational, but we have recently constructed a flow loop that will enable us to experimentally test, expand, and improve current models.

“The information provided by the OCS program enabled us to make changes that promote environmental sustainability and safety in a cost effective way. The ability of the OCS program to foster recycling between labs has been especially valuable to us. Our laboratory was able to donate 3 lbs. of undesired triple distilled mercury to a laboratory in the chemistry department. We also now take advantage of the ChEM reuse program to obtain solvents donated by other laboratories. Go green!” Nina Gasbarro, Safety Liaison
 

Southworth Laboratory

9/18/2013

Our lab uses Cryo‐Electron Microscopy to determine the structure of dynamic protein complexes central to cellular signaling and homeostatis.   This structural focus is coupled to key biochemical methods in order to directly attribute biological mechanisms to the protein : protein interactions and conformational changes we identify at the single molecular level.

"We are proud to be part of the OCS program.  Doing our part to be as green as possible for the environment is important for us as a lab.  By working with the OCS program, we were able to learn about new methods, like Gel Red instead of Ethidium Bromide, that saves the environment and money for the lab!" Ulla Lilienthal, Manager
 

Weisman Laboratory

9/16/2013

Our lab studies intracellular motility and signaling that are key features of ordinary cell division and embryonic development. Defects in these processes cause many diseases, including cancer and diabetes. The overall goals are to determine the mechanisms of myosin V based transport, and phosphoinositide signaling, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapies for relevant diseases. We maintain MEF and HEK293 cell lines which use a biological safety cabinet and a CO2 incubator. The yeast cells that we culture are grown in an upright incubator and also a shaking incubator, maintained at 240 C. We perform routine cloning, PCR and protein purification. These require running DNA agarose gels, SDS-PAGE and also documentation with a KODAK Imaging System.

"We are excited to be part of the OCS program. Our lab would like to be as green as possible for the environment. By working with the OCS program, we were able to learn about new methods to save the environment such as Gel Red as a replacement for Ethidium Bromide. We were also introduced to the chemical reuse program that saves the environment and money for the lab!" Emily Kauffman, Manager
 

Lubman Laboratory

7/03/2013

Our research group is involved in developing novel biotechnologies to solve difficult biological problems. The focus of the work is in the field of Proteomics and Cancer Research. Proteomics involves the study of the protein expression of cells, tissue specimens and serum from normal and diseased patients. Proteins that are modified or overexpressed in cancer samples often result in new protein pathways that lead tumorigenesis and metastasis of the cancer. Equipment that we employ includes but not limited to: Cell Culture Incubator, Finnigan LTQ Mass Spectrometer, AXIMA Resonance MALDI QIT-TOF Mass Spectrometer, LCT Mass Spectrometer, centrifuges, water baths, hot plates and HPLC. Techniques used in the lab are Protein Extraction, Affinity Chromatography, HPLC, Immunoprecipitation, Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, LC-MS/MS and MALDI-QIT-TOF. All waste streams generated are disposed of according to OSEH guidelines.

"The Sustainable Lab Program provides us with a unique opportunity to explore the connection between sustainability practices and energy saving. We are glad that we have the Office of Sustainability to help us in making our contributions to improve our environment. As one of members, we will make difference with novel approaches in the transition to green." Jianhui Zhu and Haidi Yin, Safety Liaisons
 

Gnegy Laboratory

6/14/2013

Our research focuses on the mechanism of amphetamine action on the dopamine transporter, as well as dopamine autoreceptor signaling and regulation of dopamine transporter. We use cultured cells along with rat and mouse models. Some of the techniques and methods employed in our research are high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), western blotting, radioligand binding, DNA purification and cell culture transfection. We switched to Gel-Red in place of toxic ethidium bromide. Chemical and radioactive waste streams are collected, stored and disposed of through OSEH Hazardous Materials Management group.

"We are proud to be part of the OCS program. Doing our part to be as green as possible for the environment has always been important for us as a lab. By working with the OCS program, we were able to learn about new methods that save the environment and money for the lab!" Kathryn Luderman, Safety Liaison
 

Smart Functional Polymers Laboratory

4/12/2013

In our lab we develop new materials for solar cells, organic light emitting diodes and biosensors through the systematic design of a molecular structure followed by chemical synthesis and characterization. Our new materials are mainly composed of purely organic compounds which are environmentally friendly. We practice micro-scale chemistry and perform chromatography or recrystallization for purification. We have 8 fume hoods and many instruments such as UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Photoluminescent system, GPC, DSC, Langmuir-Blodgett Trough and glove box. Our research utilizes techniques such as organic synthesis, optoelectronics and simple device fabrication.

"We are building a green laboratory by recycling, reducing waste and saving energy in order to help make our environment more sustainable. Go green!" Kim Laboratory Staff
 

Chemistry Undergraduate Synthesis Laboratory

4/11/2013

This is an undergraduate teaching lab that offers courses 211honors, 216 honors, 482, 436 and 536. The lab is equipped with solvents, acids, bases, glassware, vacuum systems, and instrumentation necessary to teach organic synthesis to undergraduate students.

”Organic Synthesis labs have long been known to be energy intensive with large chemical use. The Sustainable Labs program was an excellent opportunity to evaluate and improve our facilities and equipment that service these labs. This program also prepares you to make more informed decisions concerning sustainability moving forward.” Jim Vollmers, Lab Services Manager
 

Environmental Epigenetics and Nutrition Lab

3/20/2013

Our lab investigates environmental epigenetics and gene-environment interactions using animal models, human clinical samples, and human population studies. Specifically, research focuses on nutrition and environmental chemicals and how many common compounds, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), may have deleterious physiological consequences through abnormal epigenetic and genetic regulation. Techniques we perform include mouse necropsy and subsequent DNA/RNA isolations; the Nanodrop is used for measurement of nucleic acid concentration. We also perform PCR, bisulfite conversions, and gel electrophoresis and imaging. Pryosequencing is run on PyroMark MD.

"We the members of the Environmental Epigenetics and Nutrition Lab have embraced and implemented sustainable research practices with a renewed focus on reducing energy use and hazardous waste. Primary improvements include the timely shutting of fume hood sashes, replacing the use of ethidium bromide with the safer alternative, Gel-Red, as well as conserving energy by turning off small equipment and computers." -Christopher Faulk and Kevin Liu, Safety Liaison
 

Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Systems

3/06/2013

Research in our lab involves working at the interface of biology and engineering, focusing on cellular dynamics, mechanics, cell migration, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, biological signal processing at the cell membrane, and synthetic biology. We employ techniques from a range of disciplines such as molecular biology, cell biology, microfluidics, biochemistry, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, and signal processing. Our research involves the need for mammalian cell culture, bacterial culture, as well as use of viral vectors. We have a variety of equipment ranging from centrifuges to syringe pumps, heat blocks, incubators, an oven, in addition to microscopes and cameras.
"Professor Liu and the members of his Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Systems have embraced and implemented sustainable research practices with a continued focus on safety and hazardous waste reduction. Important behavioral modications include recycling packaging materials, replacing the use of ethidium bromide with the safer alternative, Gel-Red, as well as conserving energy by turning off small equipment and computers." Elisabeth Steel, Laboratory Manager

MNIMBS Laboratory-MSRB III

1/28/2013

Our lab is interested in vaccine development and investigation of the mechanisms of action of nanoemulsion-based vaccines. Our work is predominately with animal models of vaccination and infection, as well as assays (ELISA, PCR, and histopathology) performed on samples from these animals. In vitro assays (cell culture, flow cytometry, western blotting) as well as characterization of chemical properties of vaccines (Zetasizer, ultracentrifugation)

” Our lab wants to do our part to conserve the environment, and we needed to find ways to increase sustainability without affecting the progress of our research program. The Office of Sustainability at the University of Michigan did a very good job of educating us on ways to improve our efforts. We have been able to find ways to make our lab greener without sacrificing productivity. Through our collaboration, we were able to find ways to save money and resources to contribute to the University of Michigan's efforts to be sustainable.” Jessica O’Konek, Safety Liaison
 

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