Science students Oscar Montero, and Jonathan Challis hard at work, August 24, 2011
WINNIPEG, MB – Professors have unpacked their boxes and students are already hard at work inside new state-of-the art labs at the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex at 599 Portage Avenue.
Some students, like Oscar Montero, are drawn to study at The University of Winnipeg from abroad. Montero is a 3rd year student in Environmental Engineering from Tres Rios, Costa Rica, who will be studying here until January 2012.
Sharing the same work space, named The Thomas Sill Analytical Laboratory for Water Research Technology, is Jonathan Challis who just graduated from Chemistry and is now continuing with his research.
Clare McConkey is studying for a Masters in Environmental Chemistry. “The new lab set up and space is much better,” she said. “It is easier to work in and more accessible.” McConkey is conducting research on human blood samples to determine how much perfluorinated compounds such as Teflon are in our bodies.
The $66.58 million Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex includes more than 30 new teaching and research labs, a vivarium and a 1,127 square foot rooftop greenhouse. The new facility is one of the most energy efficient educational laboratory buildings in North America, with a focus including the global North, climate change, water stewardship, “green chemistry”, urban sustainability and Indigenous science.
Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Dr. Tabitha Wood meets with a student in her new science complex office, August 24, 2011
UWinnipeg’s departments of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Studies are located in the new facility and as of September 6, 2011 approximately 2,000 students will be passing through its doors every day.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
