Enhancing Science Education

The Open Laboratory will be renovated across approximately 7,750 SF of space on the second floor, creating distinct areas so that multiple classes can be taught simultaneously with new spaces for introductory physics, physics and engineering, general and analytical chemistry, and synthetic chemistry.

Highlights:

• Partial walls in each of the physics and chemistry sides of the Open Laboratory will allow multiple labs to run simultaneously and increase the flow of student and faculty interaction in ways that were not previously possible while bringing all lab spaces up to current accessibility standards.
• Transparent walls from the labs into mixed-use spaces will turn laboratory spaces into opportunities for “Science-on-Display,” de-mystifying the scientific process, promoting transparency and collaboration, engaging current students, and supporting recruiting prospective students.
• Old fume hoods will be replaced, substantially increasing students’ ability to participate in experiments and hands-on learning.
• Renovations will support lab work within the new Engineering and Industry minor, which is anticipated to support enrollment stabilization efforts, expand student competitiveness for graduate programs, and serve students who want to pursue careers in industry.
• Third spaces will be added for students to study and facilitate increased collaboration with each other and faculty.
• Improvements to security and code compliance will also be achieved through the ability to separately secure the lab spaces, including equipment and chemicals, and by building a circulation system separate from the rest of the building.

This space’s renovation focuses on restored functionality, upgraded safety features, and enhanced collaboration. The lab will accommodate up to 12 students in upper-division lab courses. It will also be used for faculty-student research, a high-impact practice that deepens student learning and engagement.

Highlights:

• This room will become a functional lab space again, having been in disuse for more than ten years except as a storage and prep space because of outdated equipment and safety concerns.
• Old fume hoods will be replaced by six new, two-person fume hoods in a reconfigured layout for enhanced safety. This will enable up to 12 students to simultaneously participate in experiments within their coursework and through the summer undergraduate research program.

Convert a 90-square-foot Nursing Clinical Learning and Simulation Center storage area into an additional examination room.

Highlights:

• Expands capacity for experiential learning and simulation.
• Provides additional opportunities for inter-institutional engagement with other educators, professionals and students.
• Build on the strengths of the Nursing Clinical Learning and Simulation Center, opened to student use in 2020 thanks to donor investments.

The renovation of this 3,500-square-foot space will transform the large, sloped Leraas Lecture Hall into three single-level classrooms to create accessible, flexible and inclusive learning environments. This renovation supports modern approaches to teaching, which emphasize more hands-on learning and less “sage on the stage” experiences for students. Hands-on learning improves learning outcomes across student populations, particularly historically underrepresented students.

Highlights:

• Converting the lecture hall into three classrooms increases overall capacity and allows for simultaneous use by up to three courses, accommodating more students and faculty based on current teaching practices.
• New technology and teaching equipment will facilitate remote connectivity and expand partnership opportunities for teaching and learning.
• Faculty will use the classroom spaces for a wide variety of courses within the natural sciences that meet the requirements of majors within the College of Natural Sciences (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Geosciences) as well as courses that serve the health sciences in various ways (i.e., Social Work, Nursing).
• Annual estimated usage: 400 students, based on current and historical usage, with the expectation of increased usage because of the new ability post-renovation to offer up to three classes simultaneously.

Thanks to investors like you, the 995-square-foot Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) Lab now has enhanced learning functionality and state-of-the-art and networked technology. Students have been benefiting from the new space for an entire year.

Highlights:

• New virtual dissection table, which increases the inclusivity and diversity of teaching scenarios. For instance, faculty can program multiple body types, identities and abilities for student study and exploration. Images from the table can also be projected throughout the room, increasing the number of students who can benefit from the live technology. Some of the world’s leading educational institutions are using virtual dissection tables like this one.
• Ten new anatomical models combined with the virtual dissection table reduce reliance on preserved specimens, increasing the sustainability of lab operations.
• Two new downdraft dissection tables and an upgraded ventilation system improve the safety and comfort of students, faculty and staff teaching and learning in the space.
• Movable furniture and improved technology enhance the flexibility of learning and teaching opportunities.
• Annual estimated usage: 250-300 students, including students completing general education science requirements and pre-health and health science students.