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