Project Summary/Abstract: The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a Catholic university in San Antonio, with an undergraduate population of more than 4000 students that form an enthusiastic community of learners predominated by educationally underrepresented groups (UR, 60%), first generation college students (26%), and financial aid recipients (48% Pell). UIW’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a long record of promoting student engagement in research and seeks funding to support the expansion of research activities in our undergraduate teaching and research laboratories with the purchase of a Bio-Rad NGC Quest 10 Plus Chromatography System. The chromatography system with accessory modules will be used to purify proteins in a diverse set of projects seeking to investigate the role and capabilities of proteins in cellular processes. These projects will provide students with a platform to build their skills for a biomedical career as they take part in our Biochemistry Laboratory courses. Students will also have the opportunity to work on faculty lead research seeking to understand the natural biochemical and treatment pathways of different human diseases. Currently, said projects rely on inefficient techniques, such as gravity affinity chromatography, or collaborations outside of UIW which reduce student involvement. Therefore, the acquisition of this instrument will significantly contribute to the skills development and biomedical career preparation of a diverse pool of undergraduates while enhancing the capabilities of our research programs which will culminate in cementing deeper understanding of the various roles that proteins play in human diseases.