The Pennsylvania American Water Company has generously donated equipment and laboratory supplies to Montgomery County Community College. The materials will be installed and used in science laboratories at the College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell.
A floor model refrigerated centrifuge, a laboratory blender and a Labline slide warmer are among the donated equipment. Laboratory consumables include pipets, slides, cover slips, glass stir rods, test tubes, Petri dishes and filter membranes, among other items. The equipment, which has an approximate value of $12,000, will help to support the College’s biology, chemistry and biotechnology courses.
According to Dr. Linda Rehfuss, Dean of Math, Science and Advanced Technology at the College, the equipment and supplies will enable students to get more hands-on laboratory experience.
“More equipment and materials means that more students can be working at the same time rather than waiting their turn to work in the College’s laboratories,” she said.
Dr. Rehfuss also notes that the addition of the floor model refrigerated centrifuge will enable biology students to conduct a broader range of experiments in the areas of cell and molecular biology.
“Cell and molecular biology are becoming two of the most popular transfer programs for biotechnology students,” she said. “The College is looking to develop a cell biology course in the future.”
Representatives from Pennsylvania American Water Company had the opportunity to interact with some of the College’s students when they visited a biotechnology laboratory in the Advanced Technology Center at the College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell on March 3.
Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
Montgomery County Community College has two conveniently located campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, with additional learning locations in Willow Grove, Conshohocken and Norristown. The College boasts a nationally recognized, award-winning faculty committed to working closely together with students in the learning process. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes 85 associate degree/certificate programs in 59 areas of study, including eight complete degrees offered entirely online, and specialized workforce development and continuing education programs, all of which leverage the College’s nationally ranked use of innovative technology.
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Pictured, biotechnology students Karin Klauder and Thomas Oberst explain their experiment to Sandy Weiss, Water Quality Supervisor; Stan Szczepanek, Production Supervisor; Steve Tiziana, Relief Operator; Dean of Math, Science and Advanced Technology Dr. Linda Rehfuss; Joe Pierce, Relief Operator; and College President Dr. Karen A. Stout.
by Alana J. Mauger
