The SIRF - Life Sciences Research

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The Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility - SIRF

Located on the first floor of Palmisano Hall, the 7,000-square-foot Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility is a hub for Merrimack faculty and students, as well as industry partners, to conduct research in biology, chemistry and other life sciences.

Cutting-Edge Instrumentation

The instruments housed in the SIRF support cutting-edge science for both faculty members and industry partners.

THE SIRF ADVANTAGE

The SIRF is a focal point of the region’s research ecosystem and accelerates Merrimack’s pursuit of the Carnegie’s Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s R2 status.

Sq. Ft. Space

A facility of this capacity gives faculty the infrastructure needed to generate streams of research.

$ 0 M+

Federal Funding

Over one million federal funding dollars supporting research within the SIRF.

Dedicated Labs

Within the SIRF, you will find six separate laboratories dedicated to specific project scopes.

External Research Partnerships

Merrimack's research teams have partnered with more than 20+ national and global institutions.

Explore Spaces at the SIRF

Biotechnology
Lab

A lab that allows principal investigators to manipulate and analyze different DNA segments.

Confocal Microscopy Lab

From monolayers to thicker layers, our researchers can examine and project samples.

MitoCure
Lab

This lab aims to identify and ameliorate the effects of aging through research on cell biology and targeted therapies.

Molecular Analysis Lab

Maintains specific temperatures to allow for amplifying DNA segments.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Lab

NMR spectroscopy is used to determine molecular structure of chemicals and biological molecules.

Plant Culture
Lab

Where plant tissue fragments are transferred to a controlled environment to grow.

SIRF Equipment

Meet Some of Our Current SIRF Researchers

Dr. Noori is a recent recipient of a three-year, $399,338 grant to study how microscopic materials impact the cells and essential nutrients of selected plant species. This award is not exclusive to lab work. Over the course of the grant, Noori’s work will be showcased on an interactive display on Merrimack’s campus, as well as at the SEE Science Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. She also plans to organize annual STEM events for students at Lawrence Public High School.

Dr. Azam Noori

Associate Professor, Biology

Dr. Bharath is a recent recipient of a three year, $434,000 grant from NIH specifically to train undergraduate students and support her research project, “Mitochondrial Aging Promotes Inflammation.” By deepening our understanding of how the breakdown of mitochondrial and other organelle functions leads to inflammation and affects the health of the entire human organism, MitoCure aspires to mitigate the aging process and extend the human health span.

Dr. Leena Bharath

Assistant Professor, Nutrition & Public Health

Examples of Current Research in the SIRF

Biology

"My research is aimed at addressing the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections by both understanding how antibiotic resistance spreads in the environment and how we can develop novel antimicrobial drug therapies. My research group is studying the spread of antibiotic resistance at the local level by examining how combined sewage overflows."

Dr. Charlotte Berkes

Associate Professor, Zampell Family Faculty Fellow

Nutrition & Public Health

"My research aims to identify and ameliorate the effects of aging through research on cell biology and targeted therapies. By deepening our understanding of how the breakdown of mitochondrial & other organelle functions leads to inflammation & affects the health of the entire human organism, MitoCure aspires to mitigate the aging process & extend human health spans."

Dr. Leena Bharath

Associate Professor, Pasini Professor in Health Sciences

Chemistry & Biochemistry

"Nanoparticles are increasingly used in consumer products and medical applications, including in the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Understanding the fundamental properties of these materials will allow researchers to design and improve nanoparticles used in myriad applications, thereby promoting improved human and environmental health."

Dr. Brandi Baldock

Associate Professor, Zampell Family Faculty Fellow

Chemistry & Biochemistry

"We are leveraging the High Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Ultraviolet (UV) detection & Mass Spectrum (MS) instrumentation in the Molecular Analysis Lab to measure antioxidants in different commercially available teas. This should allow us to investigate other antioxidants contained in foods & beverages."

Dr. Joseph Chiarelli '09

Assistant Professor

Dr. Anthony Fernandez standing in SIRF LAB

Chemistry & Biochemistry

"Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) consist of a metal-based building unit & organic linkers that combine to produce porous materials. Many MOF syntheses are energy intensive & utilize less desirable solvents, such as dimethylformamide (DMF). In this project, we are further greening the ultrasound-promoted synthesis of HKUST-1 by replacing the DMF with a greener solvent."

Dr. Anthony Fernandez

Professor

Biology

"Nanoparticles released in the environment travel from root to leaves and fruits, then we eat them. The main question is how silver nanomaterials are transported in plants. I want to study the membrane transporters that are allowing silver nanoparticles to get to the leaves. If we know how they end up in fruits, we can predict the path and use it to protect in the future."

Dr. Azam Noori

Associate Professor, Laurence M. Demers Professor in Life Sciences