Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, namely nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, early in the college curriculum was provided to undergraduate students in an effort to improve student perceptions of science. Proton NMR spectroscopy was introduced as part of an aspirin synthesis in a guided-inquiry approach to spectral interpretation and students received hands-on time with a research-grade instrument. Student perceptions of science were determined by administering pre/post surveys related to the use of state-of-the-art NMR technology. Survey results indicated positive student perceptions after working with the modern instrumentation in areas related to understanding scientific concepts, interpretation of results, and desire to pursue the use of NMR in this and subsequent courses. This experiment further supports the inclusion of modern instrumentation, specifically NMR spectroscopy, early in the college curriculum and indicates a positive change in student perception of scientific ideas. (Contains 1 table.)