Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee University recently welcomed leaders from iChrom Solutions to campus to celebrate a transformative investment in scientific research and education: the donation of an advanced High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system with Integrated Solid Phase Extraction, the CHRONECT Symbiosis.
The gift—accompanied by comprehensive service and maintenance support—significantly enhances Tuskegee’s instructional and research infrastructure aligning with the university’s strategic vision for growth during its Renaissance Era. This donation directly supports Tuskegee’s current research ambitions – most notably pursuit of Carnegie R2 designation – remain anchored in Tuskegee’s legacy of advancing research, science and service. The University’s R2 goal sharpens its focus on research expenditures, doctoral productivity, and the infrastructure required for externally funded scholarship and this donation could support all of those aims.
The CHRONECT Symbiosis HPLC system introduces cutting-edge analytical capabilities that will strengthen faculty research, expand undergraduate and graduate laboratory instruction, and provide students with hands-on experience using industry-relevant instrumentation.
“This investment will greatly strengthen Tuskegee’s research community by expanding faculty and student capacity for high-impact scientific work,” said Dr. Thierno Thiam, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “As Tuskegee continues to move steadfastly toward achieving R2 status, access to advanced instrumentation like this significant support from iChrom will help pave the way.”
The partnership was made possible through the efforts of Irving McConnell, a Tuskegee double alum (B.S. and DVM) who helped initiate the connection between Tuskegee University and iChrom Solutions. University leaders noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing STEM education and workforce readiness through meaningful industry engagement.
Executives from iChrom Solutions—including John Crutchfield, President; Debra Crutchfield, CEO; and Ruben Hatchett, Field Engineer—joined faculty and administrators on campus to mark the occasion and express their enthusiasm for the partnership. The iChrom team emphasized the importance of equipping students with modern tools that mirror those used in professional and research laboratories.
“Working alongside Tuskegee University, we are inspired by the department’s momentum and vision and look forward to the transformative impact this technology will have on student learning, research innovation, and the advancement of chemistry as a discipline—and the future of chemistry,” said Debra Crutchfield, CEO of iChrom Solutions.
Within the Department of Chemistry, the impact of the donation is expected to be immediate and far-reaching. Dr. Mohamed O. Abdalla, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, highlighted the educational value of the system and its role in advancing the department’s academic goals.
“iChrom’s support, and the HPLC system, will provide students with hands-on experience using industry-relevant technology while enhancing research and laboratory instruction,” Dr. Abdalla said.
He added that the instrument will be central to expanding the department into new academic areas, including proposed majors in Biochemistry and Cosmetics Chemistry. The collaboration underscores Tuskegee University’s long-standing commitment to scientific advancement while signaling a renewed emphasis on modernization and access.
“Tuskegee has always been committed to advancing scientific research,” said Dr. Abdalla. “iChrom is another example of how we bring that mission forward—through modern technology, modern workforce preparation, and modern access. We honor the legacy of Booker T. Washington by reigniting his principles for a new generation.”
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