What 2007 Grant Recipients Are Saying
Hamilton College (Dr. William Pfitsch):
"The ease of use of the LI-6400, and the diversity of measurements that can be made, ideally suit it for college
student applications at all levels and in different kinds of courses."
"Students can focus on understanding the relationships demonstrated by their data and
develop skill in data interpretation, rather than the technical details of (and frustrations with) procedure."
Bethel University (Dr. Kent G. Apostol):
"Teaching photosynthesis is incredibly complex and
challenging. While students may become familiar with words and descriptions of
processes such as electron transport, light harvesting, oxygen evolution, and
carbon fixation that are covered in lectures, they may have only a very
shallow, and in some cases flawed, understanding of what these processes really
are unless some form of experiments are performed in the lab. There are
significant problems with teaching the ecological importance and practical
aspects of photosynthesis. Laboratory exercises are available, but revolve
around equipment and procedures that are cheap, unreliable, and uses antiquated
instruments. I believe that the LI-6400 is widely used and the most cited
photosynthesis instrument in refereed journals. It is the most up-to-date tool
and an ideal system for inquiry-based learning."
University of Puget Sound (Dr. Andreas Madlung):
"The development of inquiry-based independent research
project opportunities will enable students to use state-of-the-art equipment
and encourage them to be creative in experimental design, project execution,
data analysis and presentation. The use of inquiry-based labs will aid students
in (a) becoming independent thinkers, (b) advancing their technical writing skills,
(c) facilitating teamwork between students, and (d) enhancing overall retention
of learned material. The versatility of the Li-6400 should also foster
creativity among students to develop and ask significant or global experimental
questions, which can be addressed at a local level."
Program Overview
To be prepared to be tomorrow's researchers, today's students need experience in the theory and practical application of current technology and instrumentation. By incorporating the LI-6400XTR Portable Photosynthesis and Fluorescence System into the classroom, students get hands-on experience with the instruments and software currently used in research. LI-COR Biosciences awarded more than 35 grants in 2008 to undergraduate colleges and universities, providing the students with unique opportunities that will help them excel as the next generation of scientists.
LEEF II is now closed, and awards have been given. LEEF III will open for applications September 1, 2008, and will close December 15, 2008. Awardees will receive notification in January 2009. This award covers a large portion of the total cost of the LEEF package. Remaining cost must be paid through other grants or university funding.
The LEEF program is part of LI-COR's ongoing commitment to help colleges enhance their undergraduate science programs using inquiry-based learning. LI-COR offers a similar program for undergraduate programs in genomics.
Additional information related to the LEEF program can be found at these following links:
 Benefits of the LI-6400 for Undergraduate Education
Writing Grants and Course Proposals
Inquiry-based Learning in Undergraduate Education Webinar
For more information, or to see if your university is eligible, contact LEEF Program Manager Chris Mantzios
-- Register for the LEEF training.
The LEEF Package Includes:
- LI-6400XTR Portable Photosynthesis and Fluorescence System
- Includes System Console with 128MB RAM for operation and 64MB flash memory for system software and data storage
- Sensor head with CO2/H2O analyzers
- Standard 6 cm2 Leaf Chamber with internal PAR sensor
- Leaf Chamber Fluorometer
- CO2 Injector System
- Red/Blue LED Light Source
- External Quantum Sensor
- Four Rechargeable Batteries
- Battery Charger
- 9-pin to 9-pin RS-232 Cable and Adapter
- RS-232 to USB Adapter
- Ethernet Card and Cable
- Flash Memory Card
- Software CD for Windows
- Spares kit
- Carrying Case
- AC Power Supply
- One additional LI-6400 Leaf Chamber of your choice
- Expanded Temperature Control Kit
- Insect Respiration Chamber Kit
- Instruction & Lab Course
- DVD Training Video (five sets)
- CD including: Ecological and Physiological Principles Illustrated by Measurements: Laboratory Applications of LI-COR Instruments
- Five Year (total) Service Package, including five-year extended warranty, free software upgrades, three system calibrations, and maintenance services
- Five Year LI-COR Training Allowance (one free training program annually)
- 2 certificates for the five-day training course: Photosynthesis in Education
- 3 certificates for the three-day training course: Gas Exchange and Fluorescence
- $500 coupon towards the purchase of consumables
- $500 travel award for presentation of qualifying undergraduate research
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How to Apply:
- The LEEF program is designed to promote undergraduate education through primarily undergraduate colleges and universities. If you are not certain you qualify for the LEEF II, please contact Chris Mantzios.
- Applications for LEEF II will be accepted starting September 1 until February 15, 2008.
- Submit your application (three-page maximum) by including the following information:
- Institution name
- Submitting instructor
- Specific instrument package to be obtained through the grant
- Address / City / State / Zip
- Phone / e-mail address
- Total number of students attending the institution
- Number of science majors attending the college or university
- Number of courses that will use the system in class coursework
- Anticipated number of students participating in course(s) each year
- Course name(s) and course descriptions that will use the LI-6400XTR as part of curriculum. Include one or more examples of how you will incorporate the LI-6400XTR into each course
- A brief, but complete, description of how the system will enhance the department’s curriculum
- Submit an electronic copy (PDF or Word) to the LEEF Program Manager Chris Mantzios.
- A signed hard copy of the application by the applicant and the department chairperson must be mailed to:
Kristin Feese
LI-COR Biosciences
LEEF Program Coordinator
4647 Superior Street
Lincoln, NE 68504
- An official letter of acceptance will be emailed to you by the end of February 2008.
- Apply for a grant for your portion of the cost or solicit internal college/university funds.
- Request a quote from LI-COR before you submit your order.
- Order the LEEF II package.
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LEEF II Rules:
- Entries are limited to educational institutions in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
- Instrument must be used in conjunction with an undergraduate curriculum.
- LEEF awards are at the sole discretion of LI-COR, Inc.
- Awards are non-transferable. Awards must be used to purchase LEEF II package from LI-COR Biosciences. Actual award amount is based upon the instrument package purchased by the qualifying institution. The LI-COR contribution will be applied as a credit directly to the purchase order.
- Costs of operation including, but not limited to, consumables and additional training beyond what is included with the LEEF II package is the responsibility of the award recipient.
- Schools which have already received a LEEF award in the previous round will require justification of the need for a second unit, and will only be awarded on an exceptional basis.
- Award recipients agrees, if requested by LI-COR, to write a follow-up report within 18 months of the LI-6400XTR use (minimum of three pages) describing how it is being used and the benefits of it offers in their educational program. LI-COR reserves the right to use fund recipient’s name and follow-up reports in press releases and promotions of the LEEF program.
- Grants must be submitted by February 15, 2008. (Awards will be announced by the end of February 2008.) Purchase orders from grant recipients must be received by October 31, 2008.
- Items in packages are as specified. LI-COR is unable to make substitutions and/or exchanges.
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