Renovation of Laboratories for Research and Training in Microbial Biodiversity, Physiology, and Genetics

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Dodgson NSF-supported renovations within Giltner Hall at Michigan State University will support research and research training activities of the Microbiology Department in microbial diversity, physiology, and genetics. The department is home to the NSF Science and Technology Center for Microbial Ecology (CME). Giltner Hall was constructed in 1952; the laboratory facilities are considerably outdated for modern science and inefficiently designed for research interactions. The renovations will impact nine faculty directly and a substantial portion of the Department s more than 70 graduate students. The renovation will involve the basement and floors one through three of the central section of Giltner Hall and will be directed at correction of a number of deficiencies. Laboratory space will be re-configured to improve efficiency and to cluster faculty by major interest area. In addition, the project will reorganize space to reduce safety, security, and accessibility problems that occur with the current mix of general classroom space and research space, and it will address major systemic problems such as lack of temperature control and a poor air handling system. A new HVAC system will be installed to correct problems with space overheating, equipment failures and researcher discomfort. The new mechanical systems will also greatly reduce airborne contaminants, as circulated air will be filtered, and new ceilings will be installed to cover exposed overhead pipes. New laboratory benches will be added to increase work surface space, and a new self-contained warm room, walk-in incubator, and two new autoclaves will be installed. Two of the nine faculty directly impacted by this renovation activity will move from other campus locations to join fellow faculty in research activities which are expected to provide future benefits in biotechnology, global change, and environmental research. In addition to ongoing laboratory-based research efforts, the department is managing the Bergey s Manual Trust, and the collection and archival activities of two major bioninformatic projects.