The College of Science recently unveiled three new laboratories that were refurbished to meet the latest educational standards. The two new computer labs and the Human Genetics and Genomics (HuGENE) Laboratories are now fully operational and offer students access to cutting-edge technology and equipment. During the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, the Vice Chancellor and other prominent members of the University were present.
The Human Genetics and Genomics laboratory was made possible through a $450,000 grant from the National Institute of Health, which was secured by Dr. Jephthah Joojo Lord Gowans and Professor Peter Donkor. The cutting-edge facility will provide genetic and genomic analysis for various human diseases.
According to Dr. Gowans, The lab has three compartments: general lab space, cold room, and cell/tissue culture. The general lab space houses equipment and tools for DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, amplification, and separation/viewing. Equipment and tools for DNA/RNA extraction include water baths, centrifuges, digital vortex machines, electronic weighing balance, magnetic stirrer, Finnpipettes, serological pipettes, repeat pipettes, and multi-channel pipettes. Qubit 4.0 Fluorometer is for DNA/RNA/protein quantification.
Veriti Pro Thermal Cycler (PCR machine) is used for DNA amplification whereas the separation and viewing of DNA are carried out using an E-Gel Power SNAP Electrophoresis machine with a UV light source.
The cell/tissue culture room houses equipment such as a carbon dioxide incubator, inverted microscope with camera, vacuum aspiration bottle, and Class II biosafety cabinet. The cold room houses equipment such as a -80 0C DNA freezer, flake ice maker, -20/4 0C combi freezer/fridge, autoclave, and ultra-pure water purification system. Apart from the equipment in the lab, the team also has a Unix workstation computer for bioinformatics analysis.
The Chairman of the College's ICT Committee, Dr. Michael Edem Kweku Donkor, stated during the inauguration that, the computer labs are well-equipped with 200 high-performance computers, each fitted with a projector screen, as well as additional TV screens and CCTV cameras to guarantee the responsible and secure use of the facilities by students. Dr. Donkor emphasized the importance of the new labs in providing students with access to the latest technology and supporting their academic pursuits.
These labs will play a crucial role in supporting the student; through practical lessons and tutorials, ensuring that they have access to the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their studies. The College of Science is committed to providing its students with a quality education, and the commissioning of these refurbished labs is a testament to this commitment.
Professor Leonard Amekudzi, the provost of the College of Science, expressed his appreciation to the vice chancellor for authorizing the project as well as to the principal investigator and his team for obtaining the award. He emphasized that the new lab will significantly improve the College's current facilities and will aid staff and students in their research endeavors, advancing the College and the University as a whole.
According to Professor Amekudzi, "We are certain that this additional facility will enhance the academic and research endeavors of our students and faculty."
The initiative was praised by the vice chancellor, who also highlighted how it may help the university's student body and further KNUST's ambition to become a premier institution of higher learning in science and technology. She also said that the university has plans to build a cutting-edge basic lab complex that would house all of the university's laboratories in one convenient location and promote intensive research.
