IRVING, Texas (Jan. 14, 2025) — The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University of Dallas a $200,000 grant for laboratory instruments.
Following a successful application for the grant led by Assistant Professor Jonathan Dannatt, PhD, laboratories serving the Organic Chemistry II course will soon equip students to collect real data rather than conduct “cookbook-style experiments,” Dannatt said. The University of Dallas was qualified to compete for the award thanks to its recent federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
All science majors at the University of Dallas are required to complete laboratory coursework. Eschewing the “cookbook” model, Dannatt introduced students to research experiences in 2023 to fulfill this requirement. Dannatt saw significant benefits for students, including better preparation for advanced science, greater enthusiasm for the subject, and improved laboratory skills. However, the lack of equipment eventually required students to find extra time to complete their research, which was not possible for all students.
“Last summer, I faced the unfortunate situation of a student eager to engage in research but forced to accept a job in a restaurant to support her family financially. This experience highlighted that research opportunities are more accessible to students who do not have to work external jobs, a factor that disproportionately affects those underrepresented in the sciences since the subset of students underrepresented in the sciences has a high overlap with the subset of students who are eligible for Pell Grants,” Dannatt said, referring to the federal subsidy for students with financial need.
Thanks to the grant, more chemistry, biology and biochemistry majors will be able to enjoy the benefits of research experience.
“The first pilot Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) was implemented in the Organic Chemistry II lab courses in 2023. While the initiative demonstrated promise, it revealed significant challenges related to a lack of instrumentation availability,” Dannatt said. “The NSF HSI award directly addresses this limitation by funding the purchase of needed instrumentation. This investment will enhance the quality and scope of course-based research, better preparing students for future academic and professional pursuits.”
In addition, undergraduate research can yield increased retention among science majors and help clarify students’ career interests, particularly within STEM fields.
About the University of Dallas
The University of Dallas, known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities, strives to be the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country. According to national rankings, the University of Dallas has one of America’s most challenging, comprehensive undergraduate interdisciplinary programs, offered at an excellent value to some of the happiest students in the country. With campuses in Texas and Italy, UDallas stands apart as a thriving community of learners committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived. For more information, visit udallas.edu.
