Chin The Wilmore Laboratory, constructed in 1947, houses the research programs of Chemical, Civil, Materials, and Mechanical Engineering on the campus of Auburn University. The majority of laboratory space is utilized for research and research training in Chemical and Materials Engineering. In addition, the building houses two university service facilities, electron microscopy and chemical analysis laboratories, which support activities of faculty members engaged in engineering and physical science research. Approximately 300 scientific personnel use the facility to conduct research activities. However due to the age and the deteriorating condition of the Laboratory, the quality of research and research training performed in the facility has been severely restricted. This award will provide funding for the renovation of engineering research space. Specifically the renovations will include: improving the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems, modernizing fire safety systems, providing handicapped accessibility in the building and replacing the roof. Installation of clean rooms, new chemical fume hoods and fume extraction systems will allow faculty to participate in new avenues of research such as the development and fabrication of intrinsically adaptive materials. Certain activities that were curtailed due to safety considerations will resume once renovations are completed. Because the College of Engineering is the largest in the state of Alabama and minority groups are strongly represented in the state, this infrastructure project will significantly improve Auburn's efforts in recruiting minorities in engineering.
