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.
