This award to Clark University is for renovation and reconfiguration of chemistry research laboratories, with particular emphasis on improving the fume hoods and HVAC system. The project continues their recent efforts to build a modern facility, support research and research training, and provide means to meet their science equipment needs into the next century for their small, quality doctoral chemistry research program which has just received a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to assist it to expand its graduate student numbers by 50%, with particular attention to the recruitment of women and minorities. The project includes complete removal and replacement of the fume hoods and associated duct work in Jeppson Laboratory; renovation of the HVAC system to accommodate the new air flows; and upgrades and reconfiguration of several research laboratories to adapt them to the current needs of the chemistry faculty and accommodate the increased number of research students. The laboratory renovations, although minor in scope, will greatly enhance productivity and safety, and will allow the full utilization of existing space that will be required to accommodate the increased numbers of researchers associated with the Ph.D. program expansion.
