"We wanted the new science laboratory building to make a strong statement that reflects a commitment to provide our faculty and students with every possible tool they could use in the learning process and in scholastic research," says Dr. Sol Shulman, professor of chemistry emeritus and chair of the building project. "The multi-discipline design brings students together in a way that previously wasn't possible while providing a cost-effective solution to creating new space for two very important departments."

The facility features a four-story, glass atrium connecting the three-story chemistry wing and the four-story biology wing. The atrium provides a common area for students to meet and study, encouraging interaction among the various disciplines.

In the chemistry wing, teaching labs pair two identical labs utilizing shared prep and instrument rooms to eliminate redundant lab support spaces. Chemistry laboratories are equipped with see-through fume hoods, grouped in quads, to provide optimal ventilation as well as improved visibility for students and teachers. Teachers and students can directly view each other while working on projects or conducting lessons. Every lab room includes a modified walk-in fume hood to comply with ADA accessibility regulations.

A greenhouse at the north end of the biology wing provides computerized climate control for plant growth that supports teaching and research in botany. Computerized growth chambers offer a controlled-growth environment for plants and insects, allowing students to conduct a broad range of classroom experiments.

The multimedia room on the first floor allows students and faculty to bring advanced computer applications into the classroom. The room also facilitates video conferencing to bring together scientific colleagues from across the country in an electronic classroom.

Another major component of the science laboratory building was the design of its new laboratory ventilation system. With three air handling units pumping out 225,000 cubic feet of air per minute, the system employs air volume and heat exchanges to save energy while ensuring that no air is re-circulated in the building.

The building's ventilation system is also environmentally sensitive. The filtration damper was set at the bottom of the fume hood to filter the outage of chemical fumes, which are heavier than air and therefore easier to filter at lower levels.