9313505 Moss The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, one of the sixteen constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina is in a period of transition, changing from a traditional four-year college to a regional, multi-faceted university. The university has witnessed an increased enrollment of students in the last ten years, a trend that is reflective of the growth experienced within the Department of Chemistry. DeLoach Hall, home to the chemistry department, is a twenty-four year old facility in need of modernization. Faculty and students engage in chemical research projects that emphasizes marine and environmental chemistry, biotechnology and high speed computing. However, present conditions within DeLoach Hall impede research productivity. Funds are requested to renovate laboratories by replacing the HVAC system, providing needed fume hoods and snorkel vents, and installing a research-grade cleanroom. These renovations will allow faculty and students to conduct research of a high quality and enable them to embark on new research areas, including collaborative projects with faculty from North Carolina State University. Furthermore, as a result of the facility improvements, the department will be able to improve its research training capability at both the undergraduate and graduate level, thus better preparing students for graduate education and entry into the nation's pool of trained scientists. ***
