This summer, the Mercyhurst chemistry lab on the third floor of Audrey Hirt Academic Center received a much needed makeover.

The new setup includes a new table arrangement, a smart podium, emergency eye wash and safety shower stations, as well as two new offices within the rearranged space.

Chemistry and biochemistry department chair Clinton Jones, Ph.D., believes the addition of new features to the chemistry lab as well as the reinforcement of previously instated ones has proven a success within the department staff.
Salina Bowe photo: The new setup in the biochem lab, located on the third floor of the Audrey Hirt Academic Center, features a smart podium, new emergency eye-wash and shower stations and a different table layout.
“The entire faculty loves it. We are definitely proud of this update to our department,” Jones said. “We are looking forward to showing it off to our alumni when they visit during Homecoming Weekend.”

Students are generally impressed by the new changes as well, often astounded that it is still the same lab they used last year.

Jones stated that the general reactions of chemistry students when seeing the lab for the first time went along the lines of, “Wow! I can’t believe this is the same place!”

The new safety measures installed include an eye-washing station and an emergency shower. Though rarely needed, both stations are working faster and more efficiently than ever.

The new table arrangements feature a cluster of work stations, designed to make group work easier and more effective.

The new smart podium makes for an easy transition from a chemistry lab to classroom.

“Its modern design provides a safe, professional setting for students and faculty.

“This is not a boring laboratory; it is actually refreshing to walk in here,” said Jones. “Two of the best features are the movable benches and built-in smart podium, which allows us to convert it from a full-scale laboratory to a classroom setting within minutes.”