The Department of Chemistry maintains a full compliment of modern chemical instrumentation. Our undergraduate students gain hands-on experience with some of these instruments in laboratory courses including the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, infrared spectrometer, spectrophotometer, HPLC, PCR, etc. Senior students working on senior research projects may have the opportunity to use other instruments otherwise not introduced in teaching labs. Faculty also use the instrumentation to support their research.
The Geology Department is located in Crawford Hall. Departmental classrooms and labs are located on the second floor at the east end of the building. The Kemp Mineral Resources Museum is located on the first floor. However, geology at Lake State goes beyond the classroom. Surrounded by a diversity of local geology spanning across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and north of Sault Ste. Marie into Ontario, no other universities in Michigan have an opportunity quite like this right in their backyard. There is much to see and even more to learn, and what better classroom is there for geology than the field itself!
Applications include: Separation and quantification of aqueous and organic samples utilizing multiple ionization techniques
Applications include: Separation, purification, and quantification of aqueous and organic samples
Applications include: inorganic and organic molecular analysis
Applications include: elemental composition and trace analysis
Applications include: Structural determination of organic compounds, kinetic experiments.
Applications include: amplification and quantification of DNA for environmental monitoring such as E. coli and Covid-19.
Applications include: Measurement of ions in and redox properties of solutions analysis
Note: Volume discounts may apply. Additional discounts available for client prepared samples. Sample containers provided at no additional cost.
Sample Sizes
| Analysis | Sample/ Size |
|---|---|
| Anatoxin-a | Water / 0.01 L |
| Cylindrospermopsin | Water / 0.01 L |
| Microcystin | Water / 0.01 L |
| Saxitoxin | Water / 0.01 L |
Instrumentation includes:
Method & Sample Sizes
| Analysis | Method | Sample/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Metals by MP-AES | SM 3111 | Water / 0.1 L |
| Metals by ICP/MS | EPA 6020 | Solids / l.0 g |
| Sample Digestion | Varies by Matrix | Solids / 1.0 g (dry) |
| Total Mercury | EPA 1631 E | Water / Solid |
Gas Chromatography
Method & Sample Sizes
| Analysis | Method | Sample/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Organics by GC/FID | EPA 8015 C | Water / l.0 L |
| Organics by GC/MS | EPA 8270 D | Water / l.0 L |
| Organics by Purge and Trap GC/MS | EPA 8260 C | Water / l.0 L |
| Sample Extraction | Varies by Matrix | Water/Solids |
| Note: For available compounds please call. | ||
Method & Sample Sizes
| Analysis | Method | Sample/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | SM 2320 B | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Ammonia | EPA 350.1 | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Anions (F, Cl, Br, NO2, NO3, o-PO4, and SO4) | EPA 300 | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) | SM 5210 B | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Chlorophyll (a,b, & c) | SM 10200 H | Water/ l.0 L |
| Conductivity | SM 2510 B | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Enterococci (MPN) | SM 9230 D | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Hardness | SM 2340 B | Water/ 0.2 L |
| Nitrate | SM 4500 | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Nitrate + Nitrite | SM 4500 | Water/ 0.1 L |
| ortho-Phosphate | SM 4500P F | Water/ 0.2 L |
| pH | SM 4500H+ | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Silica | SM 4500-SiO2 D | Water/ 0.1 L |
| Total coliforrn/E coli (MPN) | SM 9223 | Water/ 0.l L |
| Total Dissolved Solids | SM 2540 C | Water/ 0.2 L |
| Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen | EPA 351.2 | Water/ 0.l L |
| Total Phosphorus | SM 4500P | Water/ 0.2 L |
| Total Suspended Solids | SM 2540 D | Water/ 0.2 L |
| Turbidity | EPA 180.1 | Water/ 0.2 L |
qPCR
Sample Sizes
| Analysis | Method | Sample/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Enterococcus | EPA 1611 | Water / 0.5 L |
| Human Bacteroides | DRAFT EPA Method C | Water / 0.5 L |
Technical Assistance
Laboratory staff can provide technical assistance and water quality sampling equipment to volunteer monitoring programs. Please call (906) 635-2076 for more information, or email Ben Southwell at bsouthwell@lssu.edu.
Location
Our facility is located in Room 342, Crawford Hall of Science at 650 W Easterday Ave, Sault Ste.Marie, MI.
Superior Analytics
Lake Superior State University
650 West Easterday Avenue
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Superior Analytics
Lake Superior State University
1100 Merdian Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
The Planetarium, located on the main floor of Crawford Hall, is a dual purpose theater and classroom. The room was opened in 1975 with a generous donation from Benjamin H. Long.
The Planetarium has public shows several times a year and is well suited to accommodate groups of up to 50 with its 30 ft dome ceiling. Most viewings include a classic astronomy faculty-led show, although some LSSU based groups(s) have used a mirrored projector for digital movies!
Accommodations can be made for several different groups and organizations, from Pre-school and head start programs to LSSU student clubs
Interested in reserving or have questions about the Planetarium? See contact persons below:
Matt Spencer
(906) 635-2085
Toni Horde
(906) 635-2267
The Museum, features several rock and mineral specimens as well as some interactive sand and water tables. The Museum includes a viewer friendly rotunda as well as several glass display cases that can be found throughout the ground floor of Crawford Hall. The Museum was opened in 2003 and dedicated to long time geology instructor/professor Ernest Kemp.
*Ernest Kemp was one of the original instructors of the Sault Branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1946 and developed the LSSU Geology program (See the: C. Ernest Kemp Endowed Scholarship).
The Museum features specimens from all over the world as well as many unique specimens from local (US and Canadian) prospecting!
Contact:
Paul Kelso
(906) 635-2158
Toni Horde
(906) 635-2267
Superior Analytics (formerly Environmental Analysis Laboratory) is housed in the College of Science and Environment at Lake Superior State University provides analysis services to state, federal, and local environmental monitoring programs emphasizing education, research, and community service. We follow US Environmental Protection Agency and MI Department of Environmental Quality approved analytical protocols on all analyses allowing data from the Environmental Analysis Laboratory to be included in appropriate state databases.
This laboratory provides students, staff, and faculty with the opportunity to collaborate with external agencies in research projects involving relevant environmental problems. We also provide the community with technical assistance for water quality analysis and monitoring, establishing a link between graduating seniors and potential employers.
The mission of LSSU Superior Analytics is to provide professional analytical and research services while engaging students in modern analytical techniques. Superior Analytics is designed to help students prepare themselves for careers as scientists, technicians, and other professionals by creating an environment where students work with highly trained staff to engage in research, design experiments, and perform sample analysis.
The Geology Department is located in Crawford Hall. Departmental classrooms and labs are located on the second floor at the east end of the building. The Kemp Mineral Resources Museum is located on the first floor. However, geology at Lake State goes beyond the classroom. Surrounded by a diversity of local geology spanning across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and north of Sault Ste. Marie into Ontario, no other universities in Michigan have an opportunity quite like this right in their backyard. There is much to see and even more to learn, and what better classroom is there for geology than the field itself!
Superior Analytic’s organizational structure and Quality Assurance program is designed to effectively and efficiently accomplish established data quality objectives for all of its analytical services. The quality of measurements made by the laboratory is determined by the following data quality objectives or characteristics: representativeness, accuracy, and precision.
Specific objectives for each characteristic are generally established to assist in the selection of appropriate sampling and analytical protocols and to identify applicable documentation, sample handling procedures, and measurement system procedures. These quality objectives are established based on collection site conditions, specific requirements of the project, knowledge of available analytical systems, and are addressed whenever appropriate for the data generated.
The goal of Superior Analytics is to use the concept of complete quality management to produce analytical results of known, documented, and acceptable quality. The validity of data resulting from day-to-day analysis depends on a strong, effective, and consistently practiced quality assurance program. Superior Analytics’ Quality Assurance Manual (QAM) outlines that program for all aspects of laboratory chemical and microbiological testing operation. Superior Analytics’ objectives for precision, accuracy, and detectability of analytical results, and the associated quality control measures are described.
Superior Analytics’ quality assurance program is designed to be dynamic in nature. It currently encompasses activities for traditional wet chemical analysis techniques, classical and state-of-the-art instrumental analysis methods, and field measurements using portable analysis equipment. The program is designed to facilitate the fulfillment of both the Superior Analytics’ and the client’s goals for its analytical products. It also satisfies appropriate university, local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. The QAM is updated at a minimum annually, based on the results of quality assurance monitoring of analytical processes, internal and external assessments, and evolving regulatory policies.
Established in 2002, the Lake Superior State University Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) was created to meet the analysis and research needs of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. As the regions only full service environmental lab the EAL offers a wide range of analytical services to its clients including sample collection, inorganic and organic analysis in a variety of matrices, as well as genetic, microscopy & microanalysis, project design, and project implementation consultation.
Under the direction of LSSU faculty and staff the EAL offers undergraduate students internship opportunities within the lab. Student Interns are involved in all aspects of laboratory operation, affording them real hands on experience with not only the analytical side of a laboratory but also business side including data reporting and direct client interaction. The goal of these internships is to provide our students with a skill set allowing them to make a seamless transition to the workforce or graduate school. To date the EAL has employed nearly sixty students, all of which have moved on to become successful professionals.
Since its inception the EAL has matured into a fully-functioning analytical laboratory that allows students to gain hands on experience working on real projects with experienced faculty and staff. The combination of analytical services and practical education makes the LSSU EAL unique and allows the university to better serve its students and foster strong collaborations with both public and private sector partners.
