May 3, 2010 - In March, six students from Valley City State University visited the North Dakota Metal Analysis Core (MAC) at NDSU for training. Under the direction of Drs. Marinus Otte and Donna Jacob, the MAC provides analytic capability, as well as expertise and training in ionomics to faculty and students in the ND INBRE network. Over their spring break, the students from Dr. Jerzy Bilski's group learned the following techniques: sample homogenization, soil pH measurement, plant and soil sample microwave acid digestion, and ICP-OES analysis, including the importance of sample randomization, the correct use of automatic pipettors and laboratory safety. The interest level, even from the non-biology majors, was impressive.
MAC group members with Valley City students
From left: Marinus Otte, Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat, David Hopkins, Fakira Soumaila, Felix Kyei-Asare, Donna Jacob, Chinedu "Uzi" Ilogu, Erin McLean, Kyle McLean, and Mardee Lander.