This Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program (ARFMP) award from the Research Facilities Office provides funds to Luther College for the renovation, repair, and partial replacement of Valders Hall which houses that institution's biology and chemistry research and research training activities. This building was constructed in 1961 and last renovated in 1987. The ARFMP grant of $125,000 and $148,078 provided by the grantee as cost sharing will be used to modernize these research and research training facilities. This project will address the need to improve the current research infrastructure in terms of health and safety as well as of the quality and quantity of research that can be conducted by replacing the ornamental greenhouse with a climate- controlled prefabricated research greenhouse; converting existing greenhouse space into research cubicles for student research projects; and modernizing rooms so as to accommodate computer networking and to house the impressive collection of research- caliber chemistry instruments that have been acquired in recent years and are presently scattered in five locations. This award contributes to the infrastructure of science by providing an improved environment for the conduct of research and for the training of quality undergraduate students in an institution that has a strong track record of training students for science careers.
