Eastern Michigan University is the recipient of ARI funds for the renovation of research and research training laboratories, located in the Mark Jefferson Building, home of the Department of Chemistry. Research activities are currently conducted in a building designed in 1966. The department's allocation of space has evolved in a series of ad hoc adjustments leading to less than optimum conditions. With support from the NSF, the department will reorganize its research, training, and research support facilities to permit more efficient, flexible and productive use of their resources. Renovations consist of: outfitting three synthesis laboratories with additional fume hoods, and upgrading the ventilation system; customizing the biochemical toxicology laboratory by replacing fume hoods with a laminar flow hood and incubators, and modernizing instrument and chemical storage rooms. This project will have the following results: increasing research productivity, accommodating more students involved in research training, improving the health and safety conditions of laboratories for all research personnel, and providing a system for flexible utilization of the department's resources that will enable the facility to serve for future needs. More opportunities for research training will augment Eastern Michigan's success in providing undergraduates with solid research experiences, leading students to pursue careers in science.
