Dr. Judy Murphy Microscopy Technology Center San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, California

Dr. Judy Murphy has proven that even uphill battles can be won. Envision a state-of-the-art electron microscopy facility where students will leave with tantamount experience they will then take with them into the working world? Done. Single-handedly raise over $500,000 to see her dream of a new facility realized? Done. Write convincing justifications to persuade the State of California to fund 100% of the construction costs of the $7.2 million building where usually the state funds 60% and asks for a match? Done. Continue to find money available to keep the project alive when California Community Colleges have taken an 11.5% funding cut? Done! Judy Murphy proves that determination, fearlessness and plenty of hard work really do pay off.

In September of 2003, the Center for Microscopy and Allied Sciences (CMAS) will open thanks, in large part, to Dr. Murphy's individual efforts. This brand new, 18,500 square foot building will become home to one of only two nationally-recognized programs in the United States offering a 2-Year Certificate Program for students of Microscopy. The new 44-room facility will include a 12 bay microscope corridor, where rooms will be equipped with their own microscope, isolation or "floating" floor, vibration tables, refrigeration systems, ice makers, hazardous materials hoods and are completely networked with both copper and fiber optical links. The facility will also house a 51-station computer lab with video capabilities that will also serve as a lecture room. The general lab comfortably fits 35 students.

CMAS will divide its facility equally among those who do biological microscopy and those who do materials-related microscopy. There will be a designated advanced materials lab, as well as an advanced biological lab. CMAS is in the process of setting up contract education with various local, county, and state agencies to help bring in funds.

The San Joaquin Microscopy Program accepts approximately 80 students for the 2-Year Certificate Program. The unique two-year program in Microscopy is offered to those students who, upon graduation, wish to find employment as technical support persons operating microscopes, doing sample preparation and interpretation, or in technical sales and marketing. Graduates of the program work in a variety of fields, including metallurgy, ceramics, computer and electronics industries, biology, environmental areas, biotechnology, geology, forensics, food & cosmetic industries and medicine.

Especially given the state budget crisis, the SJDC Microscopy Program still requires the help of the microscopy community in order to ensure that it remains a leading microscopy training facility. It is accepting financial donations, as well as donations of equipment and/or supplies. If you wish to make a donation or wish to become a permanent part of CMAS by donating a tile which will be placed on the outside protected tile wall of the new building, visit the SJDC Microscopy Program website at http://www.deltacollege.org/dept/electmicro/

all of the new building, visit the SJDC Microscopy Program website at http://www.deltacollege.org/dept/electmicro/

This is a 2-part Profiles in Excellence. Stay tuned for more information and photos of the new CMAS facility when it is completed in September!