Comisiak In 1980, the Department of Geology & Astronomy and the Department of Biology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania established an instrument- intensive Electron Microscopy and Analysis Center in the basement of the Geology & Astronomy Department . The Center has grown to include six electron microscopes, an electron microprobe, an x-ray diffraction/fluorescence system, ultramicrotomes, and a variety of instruments for preparation of geological and biological samples, some of which were acquired through an NSF Instrumentation and Lab Improvement award. The Center is used actively for faculty research, for joint student/faculty research, for undergraduate research training courses, and by researchers throughout the region. Unfortunately, the use of the Center s instruments is hampered significantly by inadequate environmental controls, outdated plumbing and electrical service, and poorly configured room arrangements. The University plans to renovate the entire basement complex by installing new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, new fume hoods, and by reconfiguring lab spaces to eliminate conflicts among the use of various instruments. The planned renovation of the Electron Microscopy and Analysis Center will increase the efficiency with which samples can be prepared and analyzed using different instruments, and will increase the Center s use for research and research training. The renovation will create a suitable environment for current and future research instruments, and will help to attract students to careers in science.
