Story: Lisa Sollie
First NIH award for UWA aligns with University鈥檚 plans for growth and expanded research opportunities
A grant from the is making way for new biomedical research opportunities for students and faculty at the University of West Alabama. The funding is UWA鈥檚 first National Institutes of Health (NIH) award, marking a significant milestone in the institution鈥檚 research growth.
The $163,475 award will support the acquisition of an Attune CytPix flow cytometer, a sophisticated instrument that uses lasers to analyze individual cells. The new equipment will expand opportunities for hands-on student learning, faculty and student research and instruction at UWA.
鈥淭his award represents exactly the kind of investment envisioned in UWA鈥檚 10-year strategic plan,鈥� said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淏y bringing advanced technology to our campus, expanding research opportunities and leveraging external funding, we are building institutional capacity in ways that will benefit our students, faculty and the communities we serve for years to come. This is an important milestone for UWA and a strong example of how innovation, technology and financial stewardship can work together to move our University forward.鈥�
Dr. Brian Keener, who will serve as principal investigator for the instrument, believes the funding represents a major step forward for experiential learning and research at UWA. Keener is a professor of biology and serves as director of UWA鈥檚 Cahaba Biodiversity Center.
鈥淎cquiring the Attune CytPix is not simply an equipment request鈥攊t is a strategic investment in establishing sustained, grant-funded biomedical research and as well as other general biological research at UWA,鈥� Keener said. 鈥淭he possibilities for our students, faculty, and future research are truly limitless.鈥�
According to Keener, the flow cytometer will support biomedical research at UWA in immunology, plant biodiversity, microbial resistance, and environmental health. These fields are directly relevant to public health challenges such as infectious disease, climate resilience, and antibiotic discovery. Integrating the instrument into research and education will strengthen UWA鈥檚 research capacity, enhance faculty competitiveness for NIH funding and provide underserved undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on training in critical biomedical technologies.