Virtual Instrumentation Access at CSUCI (VIA-CI)
Background
California State University Channel Islands is the newest of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system. The campus currently offers BA and BS degrees in Chemistry and Biology and a MS degree in Biotechnology. In September 2005, a $950,000 proposal submitted by CSU Channel Islands to the Amgen Foundation was funded to enhance the technological preparation of students through remote access to state-of-the-art instrumentation.
The Virtual Instrumentation Access at CSU Channel Islands (VIA-CI) project seeks to provide remote access to Rigaku RU 300 and R-axis II diffractometers and remote operation of a 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer and single quadrupole gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GCMS). In addition to remote access/ operation of these instruments, the VIA-CI project provides two portable 3D Molecular Visualization systems capable of displaying the 3D structures of organic and biological molecules.
VIA-CI Goal
To enhance the technological preparation of science students by providing regional community colleges and universities (Educational Partners) with virtual access to state-of-the-art instrumentation through the Internet to include:
- X-ray Diffraction (small molecule and protein diffractometers)
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry (remote access and operation)
- Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (remote access and operation)
VIA-CI Concept
The high cost of modern instrumentation makes it extremely difficult for mainly teaching institutions to afford state-of-the-art technology. Instead of having individual campuses competing for funding for multiple instruments, the VIA-CI concept sites that instrumentation at a single campus and makes the instrumentation remotely accessible, at no charge, to Educational Partners on the grant.
VIA-CI Educational Partners
The Educational Partners on the VIA-CI project are spread over Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties and include private colleges/ universities, community colleges, and California State University Channel Islands.
Educational partners include:
- CSU Channel Islands
- California Lutheran University
- Moorpark College
- Oxnard College
- Pierce College
- Pepperdine University
- Ventura College
- Westmont College
Interested in Joining VIA-CI?
Campuses interested in joining the Educational Partner consortium should contact :
Professor Phil Hampton
VIA-CI Project Director
Chair and Professor of Chemistry
CSU Channel Islands
One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: 805-437-8869
Philip.Hampton@csuci.edu