James S. Thomas Science Center Repair/Renovation Project

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Since 1869, Claflin College, a historically black liberal arts college, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, has been educating minority students for professional attainment in all academic areas, including the sciences. The James S. Thomas Science Center is home to the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, which includes the departments of biology chemistry, mathematics and computer Science. Originally designed to meet undergraduate teaching needs, all research and research training is conducted in the building. Therefore it is critical that the college renovate space conducive for conducting research activities. With support from the Academic Research Infrastructure Program, rooms presently assigned for student research will be consolidated, providing an efficient and interactive arrangement. Several infrastructural utilities will be upgraded and distilled water units will be installed to support experiments performed in research laboratories and the greenhouse. The chemical storage facility will be upgraded to met safety requirements. The availability of sufficient research space will allow students and faculty to undertake research in molecular biology, environmental chemistry and computer science. The implementation of the renovation project will have a positive influence on increasing the enrollment in the sciences, and improving the performance of science graduates. Preparing graduates to successfully compete in graduate school will increase the pool of minority scientists and role models, immediately and for the future.