Navy_BMRL_Tour

The Office of Research and Creative Activity recently hosted US Navy Admiral Munsch, Rear Admiral Peterson, and their team on a tour of the NDSU Bioactive Materials Research Laboratory (BMRL). NDSU received more than $5M in research awards from the U.S. Navy in FY24.

NDSU Professor & Chair of Coatings & Polymeric Materials Dean Webster and NDSU Coatings & Polymeric Materials Senior Research Specialist Shane Stafslien discussed the research in their labs.

The BMRL is dedicated to the rapid discovery of biologically active coatings and materials for a variety of applications. A suite of automated tools and assays have been developed to facilitate high-throughput screening of coatings for a number of biological responses and properties such as antimicrobial/antifouling activity and biocompatibility.

The lab occupies 1,000 square feet of space with approximately 800 square feet of space equipped to conduct biosafety level 2 (BSL2) research activities involving the use of a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Many relevant marine fouling organisms, including bacteria, microalgae, and barnacles, are maintained year-round at NDSU.

In a story posted by his team after the visit, Admiral Munsch said, “The Bison of North Dakota State University are a hub of innovation and intellectual talent. Our visit underscored the Navy’s on-going commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders and scientists. By working together, we can address complex challenges and ensure our Navy remains at the forefront of technology and operational excellence.”