Renovation of Department of Physics and Astronomy Research Facilities

霍华德大学是历史上唯一被归类为第一类研究机构的黑人学院和大学，是ARI资金的接受者，用于翻新瑟菲尔德大厅的研究和培训空间。这座建筑建于1909年，是校园里最古老的建筑之一，也是物理和天文学系的所在地。教师积极参与正在进行的研究活动，重点是大气科学、计算物理、凝聚态物理、磁学、光学物理、遥感、光谱学和理论物理。然而，现有的条件，如缺乏温度和湿度控制，严重限制了教职员工和学生进行竞争性研究的能力。翻修将包括：升级管道和电力供应，为专门仪器提供过滤和隔离服务；安装新的橱柜，以提高现有空间容纳新设备的效率；在需要的情况下安装新的通风柜；以及升级实验室的安全措施。这个项目将加强该机构成为最大的非裔美国人物理学家博士生的目标。改进后的设施与教育部在物理学研究和教学方面争取国家和国际卓越的使命相辅相成，并确保非裔美国人学生有机会充分发挥他们在物理学方面的潜力。

Howard University, the only Historically Black College and University classified as a Group I Research Institution, is the recipient of ARI funds to renovate research and training space in Thirkield Hall. Constructed in 1909, the building has the distinction of being one of the oldest structures on campus, and is home to the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Faculty members are actively involved in ongoing research initiatives that emphasizes atmospheric science, computational physics, condensed matter physics, magnetism, optical physics, remote sensing, spectroscopy, and theoretical physics. However, existing conditions such as the lack of temperature and humidity controls, severely limit the ability of faculty and students to conduct competitive research. Renovations will include the following: upgraded plumbing and provisions for power with filtered and isolated services for specialized instrumentation; installation of new cabinetry to make existing space more efficient to accommodate new equipment; installation of new fume hoods where required; and upgraded security measures for laboratories. This project will enhance the institution's goal of being the largest producer of African American physicists at the doctoral level. Improved facilities complement the Department's mission of striving for national and international excellence in research and teaching in physics and ensures that students of African American descent are given the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential in physics.