Mikulski, Cardin, Delaney Announce $100,000 in Funding for Cutting-Edge Geochemistry Lab at Frostburg State University

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, together with Congressman John Delaney (all D-Md.) announced this week that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $100,000 federal grant to Frostburg State University for the development of a geochemistry laboratory, which will help prepare students to work in the energy and environmental sectors.

“Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation and higher education is a critical rung in that ladder,” Senator Mikulski said. “Our students deserve the chance to excel in their fields, with access to the best technology, so that they are prepared to fill the jobs of today and the jobs of tomorrow. This new laboratory allows Frostburg State University students and faculty to take a leading role in educating our students in the fields of geography and chemistry using the latest technology and teaching tools.”

“Western Maryland is quickly becoming a hub for the quality high-tech jobs of tomorrow,” said Senator Cardin, who recently introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for ARC. “Federal investment in the geochemistry lab at Frostburg ensures that we are training Maryland students to help fuel the continued growth of our region. I will continue to fight for legislation to make higher education more accessible to all students and to fund agencies like ARC that add value to our communities.”

“Education is a top economic priority for our country, and our investment in students and teachers should reflect that,” Congressman Delaney said. “I’m proud to see Frostburg State University provides students with a path to competitive jobs in today’s changing global economy, and ARC’s grant will help to keep their classrooms at the forefront of discovery. This grant will help to provide our youngest generation with access to a world-class education and the economic opportunities they deserve.”

These federal dollars will assist Frostburg State University establish a geochemistry lab.  The facility, to be operational by fall 2015, will be used by undergraduate and graduate students in the applied science of geochemistry at the intersection of the geography and chemistry fields. The equipment will bring some existing courses up to date and allow for the introduction of new, more advanced courses. The major activities of the geochemistry lab will be hands-on analysis of samples both in the field and in the laboratory using industry standard technology such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, laser diffraction particle size analyzer, a closed chamber piston corer, and portable spectrophotometers.

In addition to the $100,000 in ARC funds, state sources will provide another $100,000 bringing the total project funding to $200,000.

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