This Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program (ARFMP) award from the Research Facilities Office provides funds to the University of the Pacific-Stockton for the renovation and repair of the Pacific Science Center which houses that institution's research and research activities in biochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and bioanalytical chemistry. This building was constructed prior to 1940 and last renovated when the University of the Pacific purchased the building in 1974. The ARFMP grant of $212,000 and $212,000 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 reconfiguring the laboratory space to include four more efficient laboratories, a computer- instrumentation room, a cold room, and a darkroom and storage areas, and by upgrading the electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. 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 and graduate students for careers in chemistry and biochemistry. Pre-college students, so essential to the issue of the human resources pipeline in these fields, have also enjoyed strong involvement in scientific research projects at the University of the Pacific. University students trained in these laboratories have consistently found positions in top tier universities and have pursued research careers. This project will make it possible for the University of the Pacific's research program to further expand so that it will be able to make even larger contributions to the human resources pipeline.
