Donated City Equipment to Enhance Chemistry Teaching and Research at TAMIU

Recently, the Laredo City Council voted to donate laboratory instruments to both Texas A&M International University and Laredo Community College.

TAMIU will receive an atomic absorption spectrometer with a microwave digester for metal analysis. Dr. Julio Valladares, assistant professor in the College of Science and Technology's Department of Natural Sciences, said the equipment is used to examine metals in soils, foods or in liquid solutions, including the heavy metals content of natural waters, drinking or wastewaters. He said this equipment is left over from the privatization of Laredo's water utilities department and was originally purchased for $160,000.

"The type of analysis to be carried out will be of public interest and will address issues of environmental concern," said Dr. Valladares.

He also explained that once the donated equipment arrives on campus and is properly installed, calibrated and refurbished, it will be used by junior and senior chemistry and biology majors in their undergraduate instruction and research and will enhance their hands-on learning experience.

"TAMIU currently has some scientific equipment for research, and we're pleased to accept this donation because more equipment will allow us to offer more capabilities, mainly for chemistry and environmental science majors," said Valladares.

The donation has already been approved by the City Council and TAMIU and is expected to arrive on campus soon.

For more information about TAMIU's College of Science and Technology and its programs or the donated equipment, please contact Dr. Julio E. Valladares at 326.2590, visit offices in Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall, room 313E or e-mail jvalladares@tamiu.edu

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu