Do you want to get your laboratory on the list?
Please contact Ken Keeler at 936-6663 (kkeeler@umich.edu)
Do you want to get your laboratory on the list?
Please contact Ken Keeler at 936-6663 (kkeeler@umich.edu)
Our research involves syntheses and purification of drug-like molecules and diagnostic probes used in biomedical investigations. Small scale organic chemical batch processes and separation techniques are used, including distillation, column chromatography, extraction and crystallization in making these molecules.
"Participation in the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program presented us with the opportunity to re-emphasize to the students that chemistry occurs not just on the bench in front of you but in every aspect of the world around you.” Rod Sorenson, Manager
Our group aims to explore the function and physiological role of novel enzymes and posttranslational modifications involved in the development of neurological diseases and cancer. To achieve these goals, we propose to bridge chemical, analytical, and biological approaches to identify novel disease targets and develop chemical approaches for therapeutic intervention. Our expertise in cell and molecular biology, chemical probes, mass spectrometry, and imaging technologies presents a unique opportunity for broad training in chemical biology. This multidisciplinary approach will rely on technological innovation focused on unexplored biochemical pathways and their links to human disease.
"Participating in the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program was a great benefit for the lab. It got us thinking about ways to reduce the environmental impact of our research and it provided advice on how to consider chemical purchasing and careful experimental design strategies as a means to minimize waste with sustainable lab practices in mind.” Brent Martin, PI
Our research involves culturing fungi, molecular biology such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, microscopy and cell staining. The toxic gel staining agent ethidium bromide has been replaced by non-toxic Gel-Red in our laboratory. We have multiple centrifuges, a biosafety cabinet, a chemical fume hood, thermocyclers, freezers and microscopes that are used in our work.
"Participation in the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program allowed us to rethink the safety and necessity of all our practices and to minimize wasted reagents and energy. Ours is Ethidium Bromide free lab. We have switched to Gel-Red. Eliminating the DNA stain Ethidium Bromide not only makes it a healthier environment for all lab mates, but it also reduces the hazardous waste stream and mental stress of working with a known mutagen. Recycling and redistribution programs are a great way to help reduce environmental impacts.” Timothy James, PI
We investigate ways of improving detection and treatment of esophageal and colon cancer through the combined development of specialized endoscopes along with peptide-based detection agents. Potential targets on the esophageal or colon cancer tissue or cell lines are investigated using techniques including DNA and protein gels, Western blots, and various pull-down techniques. Peptide sequences are developed through phage-display binding studies. Binding of phage is validated using fluorescence or confocal microscopy. Fluorescently-labeled peptides are synthesized using a peptide synthesizer and purified by HPLC. Promising peptides are evaluated in in vivo studies on mice using specialized endoscopes developed in our lab. We employ centrifuges, vortexers, hot plates, sonicators along with some specialized equipment like peptide synthesizer and HPLC. Waste generated is manifested and properly disposed.
"The sustainable labs program has showed us simple ways we can alter our day to day activities so that we can adhere to safer and more environmentally friendly practices. We especially loved learning that we can replace toxic ethidium bromide with Gel Red and that there are so many different recycling programs in place.”Emily Rabinsky, Safety Liaison
Our group studies synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry aimed at developing new catalytic methods for energy delivery, storage and recycling. Our research focuses on establishing new ways by which molecular catalysts can be tuned and tailored by the incorporation of pendant functional groups within a metal’s secondary coordination sphere environment. We seek to exploit these interactions in order to uncover new transformations of energy-relevant small molecules, including hydrogen. Along these lines, we are targeting a catalytic re-hydrogenation pathway of spent “hydrogen-storage” materials.
"Participating in the Sustainable Lab Recognition Program was a great benefit for the lab. It got us thinking about ways to reduce the environmental impact of our research and it provided advice on how to consider chemical purchasing and careful experimental design strategies as a means to minimize waste with sustainable lab practices in mind.” Tyler Carter, Safety Officer
This is an instrumentation based laboratory where we teach physical and analytical methods to undergraduate students. We use GC, ICP, AA, HPLC and other instruments in this lab.
"The Sustainable Labs program certification is important for these labs where students learn to use the instruments that are utilized in the environmental field every day. This program provides information that is utilized in making decisions concerning conservation, waste reduction, and Green chemistry initiatives.” Jim Vollmers, Lab Services Manager
Research in the Savage Lab focuses on the elucidation of the kinetics and mechanisms of chemical transformations in hot compressed water. Water at high temperatures and pressures displays interesting properties, such as an increased ion product and decreased dielectric constant, density, and viscosity, which can favorably influence a variety of chemical transformations. We seek to better understand these complicated reaction pathways using both model compounds and complex biomass feedstocks to promote the advancement of renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices. Currently, the Savage Lab has several on-going research projects related to biomass carbonization, liquefaction, and gasification.
"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." Peter Valdez, Chemical Hygiene Officer
Our research focuses on biological research involving cells, tissue and bone. A semipreparative HPLC, atomic force microscope, centrifuge and Ion-flux cell membrane disruption instrument are employed in our research. We also carry out some synthetic work in making molecules and utilize modern analytical instrumentation to characterize them. Biological and chemical waste generated is being disposed of according to OSEH regulations.
"The Sustainable Labs program taught us to rethink how we do our day to day lab activities. Simple things such as turning off the lights in rooms not in use, unplugging instruments at the end of the day, and turning off all lab computers can make a big difference in the long run. The Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS) staff was incredibly helpful, and they are helping us to continually improve our lab to make more green.” Casey Dougherty, Safety Officer
The Michigan Center for Translational Pathology (MCTP) was founded in 2007 under the directorship of Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan, as a collaborative effort between the University of Michigan Department of Pathology, Medical School, and Comprehensive Cancer Center to foster research advances in molecular medicine and apply those advances as quickly as possible to benefit patient care. The discovery in 2005 of TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusion as the causative genetic lesion in a majority of prostate cancers by the Chinnaiyan lab, and subsequently in other solid tumors, was a transformative advance in cancer biology (view article). We utilize multiple, innovative “omics” approaches, cutting-edge high-throughput genomic screening combined with novel bioinformatics and computational analysis as the basis of our studies. Along with powerful next-generation sequencing technology, we have developed novel methodologies to probe cellular mechanisms on a global scale to yield a comprehensive understanding of tumorigenesis. Characterizations of gene fusion sub-types and other cancer genes have led to the identity of “druggable” targets, often with readily available therapeutics. We are also working to develop accurate, non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic tools.
"We strive to remain on the cutting edge of cancer research while leading the way in the effort towards more sustainable practices." Nehanda Gyan-Apenteng, Safety Officer.
The University of Michigan Lurie Nanofabrication Facility (LNF) is an 11,000 sq.ft. of class 10/100/1000 cleanroom plus 1,500 sq.ft. of single pass clean space. Equipment and processes are available for research on silicon integrated circuits, MEMS, bio-MEMS, III-V compound semiconductor devices, organic devices and nanoimprint technology. The LNF is available, on a fee basis, for use by research groups from universities, government, industry, etc. Since 2004, the LNF has been part of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN), an integrated network of user facilities, supported by the National Science Foundation, serving the needs of nanoscale science, engineering and technology researchers across the country.
“The LNF community, users and staff, have embraced sustainable lab practices wholeheartedly; suggestions and ideas have come from all. Our new sustainable practices have resulted in savings of chemicals and supplies”. Pilar Herrera-Fierro, Ph.D.