Renovation of Biological Sciences Building at UMBC

生物科学系是马里兰州巴尔的摩县大学（UMBC）的首要部门之一。 本科生的研究经验，特别是在科学，已被确定为机构的优先事项。 此外，已制定计划，集中精力在研究生水平的一小群方案，包括生物学方案。 课程包括广泛的研究和培训，重点是分子，细胞和发育生物学;神经生物学;生态学和环境生物学。 确保本科生和研究生的研究项目在部门的质量是有助于大学的目标的成功。 然而，由于该部占用了一个从未被设计为研究设施的陈旧结构，质量受到威胁。 作为校园里最古老的建筑，许多机械系统，如暖通空调，管道和电气，已经过时，并已达到其功能寿命的区别。 现有配置的实验室在不对设施进行重大修改的情况下无法适应项目或研究重点的变化。 由于通风不良，以及缺乏专用的仪器室，设备存放在主走廊上，阻碍了通往其他房间的通道。 作为全面改造计划的一部分，NSF的资金将用于改造现有的研究和研究培训实验室。 翻修将包括：对大楼的公用设施系统进行全面检修，更换固定设备，并建立研究支持室。模块化的研究实验室，改造的主要特点，将增加培训机会，扩大计划的灵活性，并促进沟通和研究合作。 作为所有马里兰州学院和大学中最具文化多样性的学院，许多代表性不足的少数民族受到鼓励，并有机会在科学领域进行高级研究，这一点从迈耶霍夫奖学金计划的成功中可以看出。 该计划旨在招募和留住少数民族学生，证明在科学和技术的能力和兴趣。 该设施的改造是至关重要的，以继续培养科学家的21世纪世纪和实现UMBC的目标，成为一个顶级的公共研究机构。

The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the premier departments at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). The undergraduate research experience, particularly in the sciences, has been identified as an institutional priority. In addition, plans have been developed to focus efforts on a small group of programs at the graduate level, including programs in Biology. Programs encompass a wide breath of research and training with foci in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Neurobiology; and Ecology and Environmental Biology. Ensuring the quality of undergraduate and graduate research programs in the department is instrumental to the success of the University's goals. However, quality is threatened by the Department's occupancy of an antiquated structure that was never designed as a research facility. Having the distinction of being the oldest building on campus, many of the mechanical systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, are outdated and have reached their functional life span. Laboratories in their existing configuration cannot accommodate changes in programs or research thrusts without major modifications to the facility. Because of poor ventilation, and the lack of a dedicated instrumentation room, equipment is stored in the main corridor, obstructing passage to other rooms. As part of the comprehensive renovation plan, NSF funds will be used to renovate existing research and research training laboratories. Renovations will include: a complete overhaul of the building's utility systems, replacement of fixed equipment, and the creation of research support rooms. Modular research labs, the renovation's key feature, will increase training opportunities, expand program flexibility, and facilitate communication and research collaborations. As the most culturally diverse of all the Maryland colleges and universities, many under-represented minorities are encouraged and given opportunities to pursue advanced studies in the sciences, which is evident by the success of the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program. This Program is designed to recruit and retain minority students that demonstrate an aptitude and interest in science and technology. Renovation of the facility is vital to the continual training of scientists for the 21st century and to the realization of UMBC's goal to become a top public research institution.