LEEF Program Advantages
The undergraduate college classroom and laboratory coupled with field studies provide the best bridge for today's undergraduate students to become tomorrow's researchers by taking an active approach in research. In order to be properly trained and engaged in research, students need to gain experience in theory, practical application, and instrumentation.
For 40 years, LI-COR instruments have been recognized worldwide for setting standards in innovation for plant and environmental sciences. These instruments are designed to be used in a variety of applications, including the measurement of photosynthesis, soil flux, atmospheric CO2, H2O and CH4, leaf area, and light measurements.
The main purpose of the LEEF program is to provide research grade instruments to Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) in the United States and Canada using a cost-effective method to enhance teaching.
The LEEF program offers a variety of benefits to students, faculty and the universities as a whole.
Benefits for Students
- This instrumentation provides students with an understanding of scientific application studies using the most advanced instrumentation available
- Students will be able to perform their research projects accurately and rapidly
- Hands-on research enables students to acquire skills of critical thinking, problem identification, and time management
- Students have the opportunity to learn how to operate scientific equipment and follow a project from start to finish
- By analyzing results, organizing ideas, and sharing work, students experience the inclusive part of science rather than just the textbook method
- Learning research skills during undergraduate education gives students an advantage when applying for research positions as well as non-research jobs
- Students are better prepared for graduate or professional school
Benefits for Faculty
- Faculty can meet increasing tenure and research requirements by combining teaching with research
- Faculty can integrate ongoing research studies with teaching
- Research in the classroom and in the field enhances student/faculty interaction
- LI-COR's exclusive software for a variety of instruments simplifies teaching complex processes
- Various applications are easily explained using the automation of the instruments
Benefits for Universities
- Including hands-on scientific research in the classroom increases the opportunity of university recognition and enhance recruitment
- Undergraduate students will be better prepared to enter graduate level studies with a superior knowledge of the subject
- Enhanced student/faculty interaction
- Instrumentation allows for increased support in faculty and curriculum development
- The LEEF Ecophysiology Package measures photosynthesis, fluorescence and respiration. LI-COR provides 50% of the total package cost. Offered exclusively to PUIs. Qualifying application required.
- Two LEEF Climate Packages are offered.
- The LEEF Soil Flux Package measures soil carbon flux and can also be used for ground carbon dioxide mapping. It is offered exclusively to PUIs at over 20% discount. Qualifying application required.
- The LEEF Carbon Monitoring Package measures soil carbon flux using various methods as well as a variety of other applications. LI-COR provides 50% of the total package cost. Offered exclusively to PUIs. Qualifying application required.
- The LEEF Light Package measures both terrestrial and underwater Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) and solar radiation. It is offered exclusively to PUIs at over 11% discount. Qualifying application required.