Renovation of Research Facilities in the Biology and Biotechnology Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

伍斯特理工学院（WPI）是ARI资金的接受者，用于索尔兹伯里实验室的翻新。该实验室是生物学和生物技术系的所在地，已有100多年的历史，最后一次翻修是在1974年。 整个建筑的研究空间都有共同的缺陷，包括：扭曲，生锈和破损的长凳和橱柜，供暖和制冷设施差，没有或有限的电力，天然气和管道服务，以及恶化的地板。 尽管条件恶劣，但该部门在积极参与研究企业的本科生和研究生专业中显着增长。 它是强制性的，老年人完成一个主要的资格项目，研究或设计项目在一个适合研究生学习准备的水平。 在结合这一机构驱动的研究势在必行，该部门鼓励优秀的本科生继续他们的工作在一个结合学士和硕士学位课程。 ARI的资金将用于支持翻修，包括：重新配置低效空间，更换暖通空调、电气、管道和燃气系统，安装新的个案工作和工作台，提供去离子水，以及更换温室。 此次翻修将主要影响无脊椎动物的分子和神经生物学领域的研究，以及真菌吸收重金属的生物化学和动力学。 其他将受到影响的研究包括：培养植物次生代谢产物的生理学和生物化学，生物反应器中转化根系生长的开发和建模，固定化细菌的生理学，以及记忆和无脊椎动物遗传学的分子生物学。 该项目不仅将加强教师的研究计划，但将提供所需的最先进的设施，以准备学生的研究生涯。

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is the recipient of ARI funds for the renovation of the Salisbury Laboratories. Home to the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, the labs are over 100 years old and were last renovated in 1974. Research spaces throughout the building share common deficiencies that consist of: warped, rusted and broken benches and cabinetry, poor heating and cooling utilities, the absence or limited electric, gas, and plumbing services, and deteriorated flooring. In spite of the deplorable conditions, the department has grown significantly in undergraduate and graduate majors who are actively involved in the research enterprise. It is mandatory that seniors complete a Major Qualifying Project, a research or design project at a level appropriate for graduate study preparation. In conjunction to this institutionally driven research imperative, the department encourages outstanding undergraduates to continue their work in a combined bachelor and master's degree program. ARI funds will be used to support renovations including: reconfiguration of inefficient space, replacement of HVAC, electrical, plumbing and gas systems, installation of new casework and benches, provision for deionized water, and the replacement of a greenhouse. The renovations will primarily impact research in the areas of molecular and neurobiology of invertebrates, and the biochemistry and kinetics of heavy metal uptake by fungi. Other research that will be impacted includes: the physiology and biochemistry of secondary metabolites of cultured plants, the development and modeling of the growth of transformed root systems in bioreactors, the physiology of immobilized bacteria, and the molecular biology of memory and invertebrate genetics. This project will not only enhance the faculty research programs, but will provide the state-of-the-art facilities needed in order to prepare students for research careers.