AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College has received a $125,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust to support an extensive renovation project in a general biology laboratory, the second phase of an improvement initiative underway in the college’s science facilities housed in Duns Scotus Hall.

The refurbishment project will create a contemporary open lab design that will allow for more faculty-student interaction and offer improved sight lines for students. The lab will also feature state-of-the-art technology, including camera-enabled microscopes for screen projection, student work stations that foster collaborative and group learning, modern furnishings, and new storage areas.

“This generous gift from the Alden Trust will enable us to move forward with upgrading our general biology laboratory as part of a major initiative to improve our science facilities and to develop spaces that will greatly enrich the educational experience for our students,” said Daemen President Gary Olson. “These renovated spaces will enhance the learning environment and build on our distinction as a leader in natural sciences and health professions education.”

More than 60 percent of incoming undergraduate Daemen students are natural sciences or health-related majors, making the general biology laboratory one of the most widely used learning spaces on campus. Expected to be completed in time for fall 2018 classes, the newly renovated laboratory will be used by hundreds of students during the academic year.

In the first phase of refurbishments, two science classrooms in Duns Scotus Hall were completely renovated with state-of-the-art technology, three-tiered spacious seating, and improved student work areas for laptops and other electronic devices.

“Our biology laboratory renovation project will positively impact the academic experience of undergraduate students in a range of majors,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “Overall, our goal is to provide high-quality science facilities that promote interactive teaching and learning opportunities that will benefit our students as they pursue their degrees at Daemen.”

The Alden Trust grant is a part of Daemen’s “Drive to 75” campaign, which was publicly launched last fall. More information on the campaign is available at daemen.edu/driveto75campaign.