The U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to award $4.67-million to 17 Hispanic-serving colleges and universities. The grants of $108,000 to $400,000 will be used for equipment to enhance science programs in disciplines the Defense Department considers critical to national security.

The principal investigators, their institutions, and the proposal titles follow:

Natalie B. Bronstein, Mercy College, Bronx campus, "Facilitating and Enhancing the Biotechnological Learning Experience at Mercy College."

Richard L. Cardenas, St. Mary's University, "Acquisition of Advanced Scientific Instrumentation for Multidisciplinary Research Training and Education."

Lilliam Casillas-Martinez, University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, "Acquisition of ... [an] Upgrade for the Electron Microscopes at the University of Puerto Rico Humacao."

Kenneth T. Christensen, University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, "Acquisition of a Computational Platform for Interdisciplinary Computational and Experimental Research."

Kamel N. Haddad, California State University at Bakersfield, "Computer Laboratory for the Enhancement of the Academic Achievement of Minority Students."

Mary E. Handel-Fernandez, Barry University, "Implementation of an Integrated Laboratory System in the Microbial Sciences."

David M. Johnson, University of Texas at San Antonio, "Bio-Chemical Sensors, Biophysical and Biocompatible Materials Initiative Instrumentation Support."

Karen Judy, Donnelly College, "Donnelly College Science Curriculum Expansion."

Susan E. Kane, California State University at Los Angeles, "Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometer and Flow Cytometer for State-of-the-Art Undergraduate Research at Cal State LA."

Nicholas G. Kioussis, California State University at Northridge, "Acquisition of a Parallel Beowulf Cluster for Computational Materials Research and Education."

Allen Leung, Rio Hondo College, "The Enhancement of Science Curricula Through Quality Undergraduate Laboratory Experiences."

Jose R. Lopez, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, "Transformation of Physics Teaching Laboratories and Outreach Program."

John M. Tarbell, The City College of the City University of New York, "Acquisition of a Multifunctional Confocal Microscope."

Venkatesh Uddameri, Texas A&M University at Kingsville, "Enhancing Instrumentation Capabilities at TAMUK to Perform Advanced Environmental Analysis."

Darcey G. Wayment, Our Lady of the Lake University, "Enhancing Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Science Education and Research for Chemistry Students."

Stanislaw Wnuk, Florida International University, "Acquisition of 600 MHz NMR Spectrometer."

Kenneth Yamaguchi, New Jersey City University, "Enhancing the Quality of Student Learning Through an Environmental Science Curriculum."