SQL FINAL PROGRESS REPORT	FEBRUARY 16, 1996
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY: 
			Dr. Tamara Leenay
			Dr. Alison Johnson
			Dr. Donald Neu

PROJECT SUMMARY

The intent of this proposal is to acquire sophisticated, state-of-the-art Fourier 
Transformation spectroscopy technology which would be integrated into the 
curriculum at St. Cloud State University.  To this end, we wish to purchase a modern 
Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer with computerized data acquisition and 
analysis capabilities, including a spectral data library which students may access to 
compare their experimental data with published results.  In addition, we wish to 
purchase accessories which would allow students to perform sophisticated 
experiments which cannot be performed with our current technology.  

Answers to questions raised regarding SQL Q7 standards.

	1.  How did the students assess the experience?

		We are still in the preliminary stages of implementation of this new 	
		technology.  Two students are actively involved in exploring the multiple 
		applications of this instrument (see question 9, ÒActivitiesÓ).  Both students 
		eagerly volunteered to participate in these activities.   They found the 
		experience extremely rewarding and appreciated the opportunity to work 
		with state-of-the-art instrumentation that is an integral technology in both 
		academic and industrial settings.  Many other students have expressed 
		excitement about the acquisition of this powerful instrumentation and look 
		forward to the further implementation of this technology into the chemistry 
		curriculum.

	2.  How did faculty assess the experience?

		During the writing of the proposal, faculty submitted their individual plans for 
		incorporation of the FTIR into their specific courses.  Since then, faculty are 
		in the process of developing specific experiments/applications for routine 
		laboratory use.  Additionally, five faculty members attended a Nicolet-
		sponsored FTIR Training Workshop in Bloomington, MN.  Faculty received 
		essential training in sample preparation, instrumentation operation, and 
		applications, including microspectroscopy. The workshop gave practical 
		industrial applications of FTIR as well as basic theory.  The faculty found the 
		workshop to be extremely well-organized and practical.  

	3.  Is on-going discussion across disciplines and between 	
		institutions feasible or desirable?

		Not only is it feasible, it is already going on!  One student in our department, 
		Jerry Sykora, is participating in a joint academic/industrial internship with 
		Champion International (See question 9, ÒActivitiesÓ).  In addition, we have 
		received inquiries from other companies about our willingness to perform 
		periodic analyses for them using our FTIR microscope.  We anticipate 
		having students performing these analyses to provide them with  experience 
		in industrial problem-solving methods.

	4.  How was learning affected (method, didactic, and resources) in 
		the long and short terms?

		Learning instrumentation is definitely a hands-on experience!  In addition to
		traditional instruction by faculty, students also learn by on-screen tutorials, 
		which enable independent Òself-instructionÓ. 

	5.  How were the objectives of learning affected?

		The use of instrumentation in the laboratory brings the theory of chemical 
		principles into a practical light.  Performing analyses will help the students 
		tie theoretical concepts to real-life chemical problems.  We view the use of 
		instrumentation as a necessary component of applied learning.

	6.  What are the challenges and benefits of collaborative efforts?

		Science, as it is practiced in the real world, is a collaborative effort.  	
		Scientists pool their expertise to solve complex chemical problems.  Our 
		initial proposal was, in fact, a collaborative effort involving the entire 	
		chemistry department, each faculty member having their own perspective on 
		how this instrumentation would be incorporated into our curriculum.  We 
		view this, not as divisive, but as a way of complementing each others 
		specialties for the benefit of ourselves and our students.  Our joint internship 
		with Champion International provides students with valuable industrial 
		experience, and provides Champion with on-going technical support.   
		Services to other companies in the future may well be self-supporting by 
		minimal fees or donations. 

	7.  Recommendations and outline for future work

		At this point, we, as a faculty, have been in the process of acquiring and 
		installing the necessary hardware and software, pursuing outside funding,  
		and earning the basic operation and applications of the instrument.  The 
		next phase is collaboration between faculty members of the chemistry 
		department in regard to  the specific use of the FTIR in the various levels of 
		the undergraduate curriculum.  We intend to expand our collaborative efforts 
		with the industrial community.  The benefits of these collaborative efforts 
		were outlined in 5 and 6.  
	8.  Budget and Narrative
                                               

		Q7 funds were used solely for the purchase and installation of the FTIR.  
Additional funds were procured to purchase the microspectroscopy system. 
(a more complete listing is found under the following question)


	9.  Give a chronological account of activities, problems, changes, 
		solutions which pertain to your Q7 grant under SQL. 

	Activities
	¥	The SQL grant was used to purchase the following:
		¥Nicolet FTIR spectrometer
		¥Gateway computer:  data acquisition and instrument operation
		¥Color desk jet printer
		¥Sample supplies and accessories

		Matching funds were used to purchase additional accessories and 
			equipment.
		¥IR microscope and microanalysis accessories

	¥	Five Chemistry Department  faculty members attended a Nicolet FTIR 
		Workshop in Bloomington, MN on January 31, 1996 in which they received 
		training in sampling techniques and microspectroscopy.

	¥	One chemistry major, Jerry Sykora, has been participating in a joint
		academic/industrial internship for Champion International and the 
		Chemistry Department at St. Cloud State University.  Mr. Sykora collected 
		chemical samples at Champion, developed a sample preparation protocol, 
		and cataloged a data base of spectral files for later use by Champion for 
		purposes of quality control/assurance.  Champion will use this data to 
		troubleshoot manufacturing processes in their paper manufacturing 	
		operations.

	¥	Another chemistry major, Rick Schroden, has been participating in an 
		independent study project involving the creation of an organic compound 
		data base to be used by students in the Organic Chemistry sequences 
		291-293 and 251-252.

	Problems Encountered
	¥	Delay in shipment (IR arrived mid-December 1995, microscope arrived early 
		January 1996)
	¥	Delays in on-site installation and training.
	¥	First detector was defective and was replaced under warranty.
	¥	Some other minor repairs were necessary.
	¥	Difficulties in computer networking.

	Changes - none

	Solutions - Mechanical and computer difficulties were resolved by the 	
	manufacturers and computer technicians


 Which other grants/financial contributions did you get?


Grant Award SQL Q7					25,000.00
Nicolet Academic Equipment Donation			11,565.00
Champion International Paper Company
	Equipment Fund Donation				1,500.00
Sponsored Program Matching Funds			13,065.00        

Total							$51,130.00