- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
BRIMLEY, Mich. — Students at Bay Mills Community College (BMCC), a tribal college operated by the Bay Mills Indian Community, will get hands-on experience with a high-tech mercury analyzer in the classroom thanks to a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
The Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) will allow students to collect their own samples to check for mercury concentration, process them, and evaluate the data. BMCC is working with Bay Mills Biological Services, which allows students to evaluate the mercury levels of fish from the local area. In the past, sample material had to be sent to British Columbia for mercury testing.
“The DMA is being used for student capstone projects, investigating mercury levels in Lake Superior walleye, as well as in supermarket fish. Part of this work is tied into ongoing BMCC research through a National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded project,” said Dr. Diana McKenzie, BMCC science department chair.
Students began using the new equipment in early January and have been enthusiastic about the results.
“From sample collection to troubleshooting, this really gives students ownership of their work,” said McKenzie. “And the quality of the data is coming out really good.”
McKenzie hopes the excitement surrounding the new creates enthusiasm among BMCC students to enter the STEM field. The new equipment rivals that of major universities and will not only enhance the lab experience for students, but also will improve tribal capacity and research opportunities.
More Stories Like This
Congressional Hearing Exposes Decades of Mismanagement and Abuse at Haskell Indian Nations UniversityPikes Peak State Announces First Nations Promise to Cover Costs for Native Students
American Indian College Fund Publishes Tribal College and University Research Journal Volume 7
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project In- and After-School Programs Served 563 Students in 2023-24
New Center to Help Lead National Indigenous Language Revitalization Efforts
Join us in observing 100 years of Native American citizenship. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting Native Americans US citizenship, a pivotal moment in their quest for equality. This year marks its centennial, inspiring our special project, "Heritage Unbound: Native American Citizenship at 100," observing their journey with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive.
