Battelle Awards $57,000 Grant for Smart Microscopes at CBC
Posted Date: March 1st, 2022
Columbia Basin College
By: Jay Frank
Education in scientific inquiry has helped shape human history and microscopes have proven transformative as tools for scientific education and learning. The Battelle grant will allow approximately 500 CBC students per year access to these important instructional tools.
“Battelle is committed to supporting and sustaining a national pipeline of highly skilled and diverse science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workers,” said Paula Linnen, executive director of External Affairs at PNNL. “We do that by improving STEM literacy, developing our future workforce, and collaborating with educators. CBC has been a great partner and this donation is representative of our mutual commitment to those goals.”
The Nikon Ei Eclipse is a smartphone-friendly color digital microscope that will allow instructors and students to view and share laboratory discoveries electronically with other PCs and smart devices during in-person, remote and hybrid classes and large group discussions. The Eclipse provides up to 100X high-resolution magnification and captures still images, video and measurements.
“These microscopes will have a positive impact on the learning of students and provide amazing opportunities to further their understanding of microbiological and other scientific concepts,” said Doug Hughes, CBC Dean for the School of Health Sciences. “As our professions lean more heavily on advanced technologies for the betterment of patient care, it is wonderful that community partners like Batelle are providing these technologies to our students.”
CBC has educated healthcare students since the college was founded in 1955. Today, health sciences programs are among the college’s most popular education options, with programs that range from one-quarter certificates to associate, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Most graduates stay in the area to live and work. Life science courses are often common pre-requisites for health sciences students. These microscopes will be available to students beyond just the health science pathway.
Battelle has operated the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington for the Department of Energy since 1965. They are a long-time supporter of Columbia Basin College and STEM education.
The CBC Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that works with Columbia Basin College to make accessible learning opportunities available to all. Through scholarships, program support, and emergency aid the Foundation enables students to continue their education and achieve their dreams. All donations to the CBC Foundation are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Information on Battelle and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Information on giving via the CBC Foundation
Information on the Health Sciences at CBC
