Updated UTF proposal

Here's the updated UTF proposal;

""Intended Location/Department: Science Department


Description: 

We represent a group of science students participating in NSCC's undergrad research program. Mentored by instructors Kalyn Owens and Ann Murkowski, our group is conducting research into water quality by quantifying microplastics load in samples from Puget Sound and local freshwater systems. Partnering with UW Tacoma and the Center for Urban Waters, our research will contribute to an international effort to address ecologically important questions about plastic concentrations in water. To that aim we would like to purchase 2 plankton nets, 2 geological sieves, a custom frame, and a flow meter. The frame has been custom designed by a local engineer for use behind a boat in wetlands or lakes. NSCC will be one of the first institutions to utilize the new international standards for microplastic collection, standards developed by our research partners at UW Tacoma. We will also partner with NSCC's nanotechnology program to identify plastics with the atomic force microscope, lending our project an interdisciplinary rigor.

Expected Benefits: 

In line with NSCC's position as a national leader in community college undergrad research, this purchase gives NSCC students necessary tools for current and future research projects. NSCC students in a variety of scientific disciplines will be able to utilize plankton nets equipped with flow meters to capture, observe, and quantify organisms and debris suspended in the water column. The information gathered from on-campus studies with flow meter-equipped plankton nets will contribute to NSCC's wetland restoration by providing data on wetland life and pollution. Outdoor labs with engaging equipment also fosters an appreciation for science, nature, and sustainability in students. Providing community college students with meaningful undergraduate research opportunities and equipment supports NSCC's mission to innovate, expand partnerships, and embrace sustainability.


Line Items:

1– Flow Meter………………………….……..$370
1– Drift net……………………………………$350
1 -Custom net for manta frame……………..…$1000
1- Cod-end jar and assembly……………………$80
2 – Geological Sieves………………………….$200"
?? - ATF Tips......................................................$???"