Equipment donation from University of Tampa gives Polk State science students an edge

With a recent equipment donation from the University of Tampa, Polk State College will be able to give students in upper-level science classes invaluable hands-on instruction.

The Science Department received a gas chromatograph. The large piece of equipment is currently being installed and is expected to be ready for student use during the Spring 2024 Semester.

“The biggest benefit is that it keeps our students competitive as they enter the workforce and apply to other colleges and universities,” said Jess Jones, Professor of Chemistry. “For those moving on to four-year schools and trying to get into research labs or professional programs, this will help tremendously.”

Gas chromatographs are used in quality control and crime labs and can separate substances without them decomposing. Jones noted that many major universities have similar equipment, but with large classroom sizes, it’s rare for students to have the opportunity to use them.

“Our students will know how to use this equipment,” Jones added. “That allows us to better prepare our students to excel at their four-year institutions or in their research labs.”

According to Axion Labs, a new gas chromatograph can cost between $30,000 and $50,000. Jones anticipates that it will be used, at least initially, by those taking Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry I, and Organic Chemistry II.

“Once the instrument is fully operational, I’d like to work with faculty from other disciplines,” Jones said. “It would be great to be able to introduce this to other courses and programs.”

Receiving the gas chromatograph from the University of Tampa is sure to help Polk State students learn from a hands-on perspective, but the benefits go beyond that. Having a working relationship with larger universities, Jones noted, will allow Polk State faculty to have a better understanding of what students will need to know before they move on to a university.

“If we know what they’re teaching and the equipment they’re using, we can tailor our curriculum to help students be successful,” Jones said. “It’s a great thing for colleges to donate usable equipment to schools that may not have the same level of infrastructure.”

The University of Tampa made the donation after recent acquisitions, including from a Federal Bureau of Investigation crime lab. Jones said the addition will make Polk State a more intriguing option for science students.

“This is a great piece for research, but it’s also a great teaching tool,” Jones explained. “You don’t see this at a lot of state colleges. This is another way for us to distinguish ourselves.”