This Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program (ARFMP) award from the Research Facilities Office provides funds to Ithaca College for the replacement of obsolete plant growth facilities by a new Controlled Environment Laboratory Complex for plant and invertebrate research. This complex will be a part of a new science building which will house Ithaca College's biological research and research training activities. This building to be replaced was constructed in 1964 and has not been renovated since that time and its replacement is fully justified and cost- effective. The ARFMP grant of $375,000 and $378,220 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 by providing modern facilities essential to continued research productivity and the training of undergraduates for advanced work. The replacement will provide a new greenhouse, plant growth rooms, plant growth and insect chambers, and space for tissue culture work. 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 many of whom continue on for advanced training. Students trained in these laboratories will be able to participate in crucial areas of plant research including environmental protection, evolutionary genetics, plant development, and plant molecular genetics as well as in research on insects and other invertebrates.
