Current Projects and Student News

Tim Hall, a biotechnology student at LSC-M, received a scholarship from Fluid Imaging Technologies (FIT) for his work with the FlowCAM machine that was recently purchased from FIT. The FlowCAM performs detailed analyses of microscopic particles suspended in fluids and has applications in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food and beverage, and wastewater. Hall and other LSC-M biotechnology students use the instrument to study the quality and quantity of algae cultures as they research algal biofuel, nutraceutical, microbial fuel cell, and water remediation applications. Congratulations Tim!

Photo: LSC-M student Tim Hall (center) holds a scholarship check presented to him by Kent Peterson (far right), president and CEO fo Fluid Imaging Technologies. Also in the picture is Dr. Austin Lane, president of LSC-M, Mike Doyle, biotechnology student and Dr. Daniel Kainer, director of LSC-M's biotechnology program.

Waste Vegetable Oil to Diesel:

Dr. Larry Loomis-Price and his students are currently processing waste vegetable oil to produce biodiesel fuel. The program has been very successful and they look forward to impoving the protocol and moving into a larger facility.

Algae to Diesel:

LSC-Montgomery students constructed an outdoor  bioreactor for growing algae. They have also constructed several indoor bioreactors and have researched different algae strains suitable for the creation of biodiesel.  In addition, LSC-Montgomery has received a donation from Aperion for additional equipment, supplies and greenhouse upgrades.

Electron mcroscope:

LSC-Montgomery received a scanning electron miscrope as a donation from Rice University. It is available to faculty as well as students for research and experimentation. Training on a scanning electron miscrope is an extremely unique opportunity for community college students. We are proud to be able to offer this experience for our students.