The North Dakota State University Research and Creative Activity Office has appropriated funds available to provide matches to researchers needing equipment repair. The program is for research-related equipment repair only, and researchers are eligible to receive one award (for one piece of equipment) per fiscal year. For departmental/unit requests priority was given to equipment utilized by multiple researchers.

Total ERM funds issued for FY24 was $66,152. The funding plays a key role in ensuring equipment centered around research at NDSU is working effectively.

“It is critical to be able to ensure prior infrastructure maximizes its potential return on investment for our NDSU researchers,” NDSU vice president for research and creative activity Colleen Fitzgerald said.  “This equipment enables crucial data or experiments to be performed, which in turn helps NDSU research success with new grants or awards.”

Examples of the impact ERM funds have on research at NDSU

Jiale Xu, NDSU assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering, is conducting research that is focused on controlling toxic organic contaminants in drinking water and wastewater treatment. This research relies heavily on liquid chromatography/triple quad mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) instruments.  HPLC/MS/MS, which is an analytical chemistry technique that combines physical separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with mass analysis capabilities of mass spectrometry, is the fundamental instrument for Xu’s research. In order to functionalize the instrument and conduct thorough maintenance, Xu applied for funding and received $26,000 in EMR funds.