North Dakota State University Research and Creative Activity Materials Characterization, Analysis and Fabrication (MCAF) core’s staff technical expertise provided an assist to another college campus doing research in the state of North Dakota. As a land grant institution, NDSU provides service to the state by sharing technical expertise to help further research and creative endeavors.

The United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, N.D., is conducting research on the creation of composite panels using natural organic materials. As part of this research, UTTC acquired a Qlab QUV-SE ultraviolet light exposure test chamber to perform industry-standard UV weathering tests. However, because of personnel changes at UTTC, current staff lacked technical knowledge regarding the machine's operation and maintenance.

Because NDSU has similar equipment, Emily Biggane, research faculty from UTTC, reached out to NDSU for assistance and was referred to the MCAF core, headed by NDSU executive director of core research facilities Scott Payne.

NDSU RCA fabrication technician Fred Haring traveled to UTTC to evaluate the condition and current installation of UTTC’s QUV-Se UV machine. In addition to getting the machine operational, he also trained UTTC personnel about its functions, maintenance and operation. The goal was to assist UTTC in integrating the weathering test machine into their composite research and facilitate an ongoing collaboration between UTTC and NDSU.

Haring assisted in machine setup and testing and pre-programming tests while also training UTTC staff on further usage. Soon the QUV-Se UV test chamber was working and running within specifications. Having a fully-functional machine allowed UTTC personnel to load samples, set test durations and run the appropriate programs needed.

“We have not done this very often off-campus, however, this is our main focus as a Core Facility,” Payne said. “Our technical staff is the driving force for being able to keep the instrumentation up and running so it is available to researchers and students as well as providing training for it.”

Haring’s visit to UTTC was successful in bringing the QUV-Se machine into operation and training UTTC staff in its use. The collaboration between UTTC and NDSU has established a foundation for future research and testing, while also ensuring that UTTC has access to the technical resources necessary for continued success.

“The relationship with our Tribal College colleagues is important to us and we were glad to share our technical expertise with them to support their research activities,” NDSU vice president for research and creative activity Colleen Fitzgerald said. 

MCAF core at NDSU oversees a number of key research and technology facilities, specifically the Research 1, Research 1 Addition, and Research 2 buildings. These facilities are crucial for supporting both academic and industry research, as they house the university's electron microscopy, imaging, and materials analysis equipment. These facilities are integral to NDSU’s mission to provide cutting-edge resources for both academic and industry partners in the fields of materials science, engineering, and related disciplines.