Grand Canyon University’s Research & Design Program

By Jessica Meyer

chemistry student working on a project in a lab

As Grand Canyon University’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology continues to expand, several initiatives are being implemented on campus as part of our Research & Design Program to help students get the most out of their STEM education. Check out the details on some of these exciting and innovative initiatives:

Institute for Environmental Sustainability

GCU’s Institute for Environmental Sustainability works to solve some of the world’s most important problems through interdisciplinary research in environmental monitoring, remediation, sensor development and modeling. The institute conducts research on electrochemical detection of environmental contaminants, phytoremediation, airborne volatile organic compound sensing, environmental monitoring in outdoor recreation areas and environmental modeling.

Performance Optimization, Wellness and Exercise Research Center

The Lopes POWER Lab investigates sports performance, kinesiology, biomechanical analysis and nutrition to promote health in the general population and in special populations such as athletes and firefighters. The research lab includes components of college students’ health perceptions and sports performance analysis, as well as extensive research on a surface EMG (sEMG) project and a firefighter wellness project.

Center for Plant Genomics and Novel Products

At the Center for Plant Genomics and Novel Products, evaluation and characterization of antimicrobial properties from diverse Sonoran desert plants address the need for safe and effective antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. The center studies DNA barcoding of Sonoran desert plants, antimicrobial screening and characterization and chemical characterization of antimicrobial compounds.

Canyon Neuroscience Center

The Canyon Neuroscience Center uses applications of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmacology techniques to study the neuronal function and dysfunction in humans and model systems, while focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. The center researches mechanisms of neuroprotection, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and ubiquitin-proteasome dysfunction.

Student Anatomy and Physiology Program

The Student Anatomy and Physiology Program involves the engagement of students in biotechnology development, creation of anatomy and dissection resources, and physiological investigations. These students examine 3D printing and biotechnology, an anatomical atlas, and anatomy and physiology research.

If you would like to learn more about Grand Canyon University’s research and design programs or other resources for students in our STEM programs, visit our website or contact us today using the Request More Information button at the top of the screen.

Written by Jessica Meyer, a senior earning a degree in marketing at GCU.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

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