SRRF-Stream Super Resolution and Improved Confocal Resolution for the Garvey Imaging Core

School of Medicine

Requested:

$81,630

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$81,630

Abstract

This proposal is requesting a high-end camera, optics and software that will help us resolve very small structures in cells. The equipment will give users of the Garvey imaging core access to a super-resolution light microscopy system, and improve resolution on our confocal systems. More than 250 students have been trained on and used the high-end microscopes in the Garvey Imaging Core at UW’s South Lake Union campus. The core is a light microscopy facility in the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM). Students have access to state-of-the-art instruments that are common in research and industry settings, and our microscopes are critical tools for much of the biomedical research students do at South Lake Union. Both the instruments and expertise help students complete current projects and develop new ones. To add a state-of-the-art super-resolution system to the Garvey core, we would like to purchase an Andor iXon EMCCD camera, a SRRF-Stream super-resolution module, and optics and software that maximize the functionality of the camera. This camera and optics will be added to an existing microscope. We would also like to purchase deconvolution software add-ons for our confocal systems. These purchases will significantly improve our ability to resolve fine structures in biological and engineered samples. Dale Hailey--the director of the imaging core--will help students use the equipment and maintain it. He will also be available to help students plan and design experiments and optimize use of the equipment.

Interdisciplinary genomics training and research through hands-on access to next-generation sequencing technology

Department of Psychology

Requested:

$137,296

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$137,297

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing is rapidly transforming an array of scientific disciplines by increasing the scope and resolution of genetic research while lowering costs. Thus, training in these genomic and bioinformatic techniques should be considered an integral part of any STEM student’s education at UW. To facilitate this training, the Snyder-Mackler Lab (SMack Lab; a new lab in the Department of Psychology) is requesting a state-of-the-art sequencer to make this technology fully available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing cross-disciplinary research that might benefit from genomic information or the ability to generate and analyze the “big data” that pervade our world. Students will be trained in the direct operation of the machine, allowing them to not only gain invaluable skills and hands-on experience, but also learn the valuable bioinformatic skills necessary to handle the big data produced in today's post-genomic world.

Infrared Spectrometer with ATR module: Core instrument for Molecules and Materials Characterization

Department of Chemistry

Requested:

$38,776

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$38,776

Abstract

We are requesting funds to purchase a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) and an Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) module for use by students across a variety of UW departments. This spectrometer will be part of the instrumentation facilities in the Department of Chemistry. The new FT-IR will replace a machine which has been in use for nearly 20-years. The chemistry instrumentation facility is used on a daily basis by students in the Department of Chemistry and in other departments across campus and has an excellent support staff. The new FT-IR will allow measurements over a broader range of wavelengths while providing increased sensitivity, greater reliability, and improved ease of operation relative to the antiquated instrument it will replace. This IR instrument will be an essential tool for undergraduate lab courses and for and student researchers in chemistry, materials science and chemical engineering. The Department of Chemistry is committed to provide modern and relevant instrumentation to students, who will then be able to leverage those skills in their own careers. Understanding how to make and break chemical bonds is the very essence of chemistry. One fundamental principle in probing chemical bonds is measuring their strength. To measure bond strength, chemists rely on vibrational spectroscopy, in particular they rely on infrared spectroscopy. This technique contributes knowledge towards nearly every aspect of how molecules form and what geometries they adopt. By providing the means to determine vibrational bond energy and molecular geometry, an FT-IR spectrometer is directly useful in chemical identification. The FT-IR is considered a “core instrument” and working knowledge of it is often required for not only basic research but also many industry jobs. The ATR module will provide a fast, reliable and robust method for sample analysis that avoids cumbersome sample preparation. This instrument will be housed in the Department of Chemistry instrumentation center, readily accessible to students. The sensitivity, broad spectral range, and ease of use will provide students in fields such as chemistry, geology, materials science, and biology with access to the full capabilities of a modern FT-IR instrument.

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Computer Lab Refresh

Department of Chemical Engineering

Requested:

$99,951

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$99,951

Abstract

The Chemical Engineering department is seeking funds to update the dedicated location of computing resources for the current 220 undergraduate students. The current array of desktop computers within the Benson Hall Undergraduate Computer Lab have become technologically obsolete after six years of hardware and software support from the department. The funds requested will be used to purchase 38 superior replacements, Apple iMac computers dual booted with macOS and Windows 10, as well as equipped with high performing computing power. These requested replacement workstations provide students with greater accessibility to the software required for their coursework, projects, and accelerate growth of the skillset necessary to succeed in their field.

Washington Superbike Equipment

Department of Electrical Engineering

Requested:

$6,792

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$6,792

Abstract

The end goal of an engineering education is to be able to design, build, and analyze an integrated system with a team. The best way to learn this process is to work on a technical project in a professional environment. The Washington Superbike team intends to design, build, and test an electric racing motorcycle, becoming the first team from the United States to compete internationally in the motostudent competition in Aragon, Spain. As a new RSO, we hope to acquire the necessary toolset to begin the engineering process.

Recreation Accessible Equipment Upgrade

Student Recreation

Requested:

$33,638

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$33,638

Abstract

This proposal aims to enhance the student experience when using accessible equipment in our facility. The upgrade of our old and outdated accessible equipment will engage student users in a new way. Creating access and inclusion for UW students with disabilities and activating our student users to maintain their fitness goals long-term.

Gates Center Undergraduate Computing Commons

Computer Science and Engineering

Requested:

$134,479

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$134,479

Abstract

The Allen School (CSE) is requesting funding for fifty 27" All-in-one workstations with discrete graphics capabilities (GPUs) and fifty 27" UHD widescreen monitors in order to outfit a brand new Undergraduate Computing Commons in the forthcoming Bill and Melinda Gates Center. The Gates Center is a 2nd building for Computer Science & Engineering, currently under construction, scheduled to open to students January 2019.

Revised - DXARTS Advanced Digital Imaging Expansion

The Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS)

Requested:

$221,326

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$221,326

Abstract

The Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) supports a high quality workflow for film and video production that students currently utilize on a daily basis. We are able to facilitate the development and research of cutting edge audio/visual artworks and technologies, providing students across the university support and access to sophisticated equipment and techniques for sound and image making. This proposed Advanced Digital Imaging Expansion will greatly build on our existing STF and department funded equipment that is in extremely high demand for students' work across campus. The expansion will allow for a much overdue upgrade across the entire digital cinema and digital video suite and put advanced tools in students' hands allowing them to explore far beyond industry standard imaging practices. Currently, we do not have the capabilities in our post production studio to optimally work with professional digital cinema footage nor do we have enough cameras to keep up with the student demand. The expansion would allow students to take full advantage of the amazing tools at their disposal as well as support a complete digital cinema/moving image workflow. There are 3 main expansion areas: Studio, Capture, and Support. All students (beginning, intermediate and advanced) experimenting with video art, narrative, performance and documentary work will be able to have 24-hour access to a complete professional color and post-production facility, a data solution for data intensive work and advanced research, and a stable of new advanced cameras and lenses.

Video Equipment for Design-Use-Build Seminar

MHCI+D Graduate Program/Graduate School

Requested:

$2,857

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$2,857

Abstract

The DUB Seminar is one of the key activities of the DUB, the University of Washington’s cross-campus human-computer interaction initiative. This group is highly interdisciplinary, with participation from a dozen academic units including Computer Science & Engineering, Human-Centered Design & Engineering, the Information School, and the Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design. The mission of DUB is to bring together an interdisciplinary group of people to share ideas, collaborate on research, and advance teaching related to the interaction between design, people, and technology. The Master of Human Computer Interaction + Design graduate program, MHCI+D, was formed by the faculty group and is in its fifth year of providing graduate education. The MHCI+D program provides the Administrative function and technical support to the DUB Seminar. This support includes video Capturing, editing and publishing of the weekly speakers, as well as scheduling, venue and catering arrangements. Videos from previous DUB Seminars can be found here: http://dub.washington.edu/seminar.html#tab_previous_seminars

Accessible Technology Refresh

UW-IT Accessible Technology Services

Requested:

$60,302

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$60,303

Abstract

The Access Technology Center (ATC) seeks funding to: 1) continue to increase the availability of access computer technology for students with disabilities; and 2) update and upgrade dated software and equipment to reflect operating system and hardware improvements that have been performed and are being implemented by Learning Technologies (LT) and the ATC. The systems affected are located in the Mary Gates Hall Access Technology Center, Suzzallo Library, OUGL Learning Commons and satellite workstations in a variety of academic departments. These facilities serve the majority of general use computing needs for the campus and are recognized central locations for computer technology for students with disabilities. On a limited basis and subject to product availability, commonly used access technology is also loaned to departmental labs from the ATC for short-term student needs.

Funding Status: Funded