Modernization of Facilities for Geoscience Research at the University of Florida

佛罗里达大学是一所土地赠与大学，在校生超过4万人，是美国人口第四多的州中最大的大学。它是一个多元化的机构，主要职责是教育未来的科学家。地质系的研究和研究生教育是综合活动，研究是提供未来专业地质学家培训场所的关键组成部分。特灵顿大厅目前是该部门的所在地，在那里进行的研究主要分为四个主要领域：古环境研究；化学地球动力学、地磁学和环境地质学。这些领域的研究代表了来自地质学、化学、生物学、农业和佛罗里达自然历史博物馆的教师的多学科努力。合作的基础不仅是共同的科学利益，而且需要高质量的分析数据。特灵顿音乐厅目前的状况不能支持或适应研究计划的发展。原本不是为研究而设计的空间，现在已被用于研究目的。为该部门提供了一个重新安置和整合威廉姆森大厅项目的机会之窗，威廉姆森大厅曾是物理系的所在地。然而，1953年的建筑需要进行重大翻修才能容纳地质学课程。NSF将与佛罗里达大学一起翻修威廉姆森大厅的一部分，将以前的物理研究空间转换为地质研究空间。具体的翻修将包括：更换电气、暖通空调、管道和机械系统，升级消防系统，安装固定设备，以及拆除含石棉的材料。大楼的翻新将确保达到安全、卫生和反兴奋剂标准。研究基础设施的发展将提高容纳更多附属教员所需的研究能力。由于妇女和少数民族在地球科学中是一个代表性不足的群体，预计科学家和学生将被这一学科所吸引。因此，该部将能够扩大与私营部门的关系，并为国家科学和技术劳动力提供多才多艺和训练有素的毕业生。

The University of Florida is a land grant university with a student enrollment of more than 40,000, and is the largest university in the Nation's fourth most populous state. It is a diverse institution with a primary obligation to educate future scientists. Research and graduate education in the Department of Geology are integrated activities, and research is the critical component that provides the venue in which future professional geologists are trained. Turlington Hall is currently home to the Department where research performed is categorized in four primary areas: Paleo-environmental studies; Chemical Geodynamics, Geomagnetism, and Environmental geology. Investigations in these areas represent multidisciplinary efforts of faculty from Geology, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, and the Florida Museum of Natural History. The basis for collaboration is not only mutual scientific interests, but the need for high quality analytical data. Turlington Hall in its existing condition cannot support or accommodate the growth of the research program. Space, originally not designed for research, has been encroached upon for research purposes. A window of opportunity has been offered to the Department to relocate and consolidate programs in Williamson Hall, formerly the home of the Physics Department. However, the 1953 structure requires major renovation in order to house the Geology program. The NSF will participate with the University of Florida in renovating a portion of Williamson Hall by converting former physics research space to geology research space. Specific renovations will consist of: replacing electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems, upgrading fire protection systems, installing fixed equipment, and removing asbestos containing materials. Renovations to the building will ensure that safety, health, and ADA standards are met. Development of the research infrastructure will increase research capabilities needed to accommodate more affiliate faculty. Since women and minorities are an under-represented group within the geosciences, it is anticipated that scientists and students will be attracted to the discipline. Consequently, the Department will be able to extend relations with the private sector, and provide graduates who will be versatile and well-trained members of the nation's scientific and technical workforce.