President Daniel J. Elsener | Marian University website

Helium, often associated with birthday balloons, plays a critical role in advancing science at Marian University. The gas is essential for the university's nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) core facility, used for analyzing chemical structures in both educational and research settings. According to Catherine Steding, Ph.D., the scholar-in-residence for innovation in science education at Marian University, access to the NMR facility is a distinctive feature that enhances chemistry education for students.

Despite being a naturally-occurring element, helium is a non-renewable resource with a finite supply on Earth. This scarcity has caused global shortages and instability in availability, affecting institutions like Marian University. Chris Nicholson, Ph.D., assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Marian University, highlighted the challenges faced by universities in maintaining NMR spectrometers due to the unstable helium supply.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Nicholson took proactive steps to secure a stable helium supply for Marian University. By joining a high-volume buying group and applying for a grant from the National Science Foundation, he ensured the continuous operation of the NMR core facility with reduced helium consumption. This commitment to sustainability and innovation has been praised by Executive Vice President and Provost Alan Silva, Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of Dr. Nicholson's leadership in preserving a crucial university resource and providing students with valuable hands-on experience.

The efforts undertaken at Marian University showcase a dedication to responsible stewardship of resources and a commitment to maintaining a high standard of education for students. For more information on the collaborative or commercial research use of the NMR core facility at Marian University, individuals are encouraged to contact research@marian.edu.