Renovation and Repair of the Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratory Facilities, University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

波多黎各-阿瓜迪利亚大学成立于1972年，是一所公共机构，为该岛西北部地区的学生提供教育服务。在这所大学注册的学生中，绝大多数是第一代学生，他们的大学经历给他们树立了有限的榜样，并得到了家庭的支持。在一个饱受文盲和贫困困扰的社区里，这所大学对许多人来说是一座希望的灯塔。这所大学最初被授权授予副学士学位，但后来扩大了提供的范围，包括生物和化学等理科学士学位。为了成为卓越的典范，该机构的战略计划强调了研究和研究培训活动的重要性。为了支持从事科学事业的教职员工和学生，该大学将在国家科学基金会的帮助下，提供改善研究培训设施所需的财政资源。具体而言，资金将用于巩固与教学活动共享的研究空间。翻新将包括：升级电气、管道和暖通空调系统；安装通风柜、长凳、橱柜和安全设备；确保设施符合美国反兴奋剂机构的规定。将建立一个专门的实验室，允许教职员工和本科生开展微生物学、生物化学、无机、有机、分析和工业化学方面的研究工作。该项目将增强自然科学系完成重大研究和培训工作的能力，为中学科学界的专业发展提供帮助，并鼓励学生追求更高水平的科学研究。

Established in 1972, the University of Puerto Rico - Aguadillia, is a public institution serving the educational needs of students in the Northwestern region of the island. A large majority of the students enrolled at the university are first generation students with limited role models and support from home for their university experience. The University is a beacon of hope to many in a community plagued by illiteracy and poverty. Originally authorized to grant associate degrees, the university has expanded its offerings to include bachelors degrees, including biology and chemistry in the sciences. Striving to become a model of excellence, the institution's strategic plan stresses the importance of research and research training activities. In support of faculty and students engaged in the scientific enterprise, the university with assistance from the National Science Foundation, will provide financial resources needed to improve research training facilities. Specifically funds will be utilized to consolidate research space that has been shared with instructional activities. Renovations will encompass: upgrading the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems; installing fume hoods, benches, cabinets and security devices; and ensuring the facility complies with ADA regulations. A dedicated laboratory will be created to allow faculty and undergraduates to conduct investigative work in microbiology, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, analytical and industrial chemistry. The project will enhance the ability of the Natural Science Department to accomplish significant research and training endeavors, provide assistance to the professional development of the secondary school science community, and encourage students to pursue advanced levels of scientific study.