The future of chemistry research is percolating in the heart of the University of Washington campus. “We are on the cusp of a new era,” says Alshakim Nelson, chair of the Department of Chemistry and holder of the Job and Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Professorship. “Science will become more competitive as researchers around the world move faster.”
The new Chemical Sciences Building, which broke ground on September 30, has been designed to give UW Chemistry that competitive edge. Situated where the Chemistry Library once sat, the new building will feature flexible, state-of-the-art labs and equipment. New research and collaboration spaces will be equipped with modern instruments, stable temperature and vibration controls will be outfitted in each lab, and lab spaces will spread across different buildings and floors for maximum collaboration. These improvements will allow the department to remain competitive with national peers when recruiting faculty, researchers, and students.
Located in the UW’s cluster of science buildings, the Chemical Sciences Building will feature 104,500 gross sq. ft. of labs, meeting rooms, common collaboration spaces and offices. With more than 6,500 UW students taking courses in the Department of Chemistry each academic year, the building will also provide training grounds for future leaders in a variety of industries—from healthcare, to education, to climate science.
“What [our students] learn in UW Chemistry opens a wide range of possibilities,” says Nelson. “Our graduates work in pharmaceutical and chemical companies, from startups to corporations such as Dow and Pfizer. They work at Boeing and at national laboratories. Others pursue medicine or law, or become journalists, writers, and editors.”
Alan Zhan, a junior chemistry major who joined the groundbreaking festivities for the Chemical Sciences Building, plans to pursue a PhD after graduating. “I’ll leave the UW with almost four years of research experience and technical skills. I’m so grateful for the opportunities and mentorship I’ve received.”
Zhan shared the podium with Governor Bob Ferguson, who spoke on the importance of this next generation of science leaders to the State of Washington.
“Washington’s economy is built on innovation,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “Maintaining our leadership requires a reliable pipeline of skilled, highly educated workers. We’re proud to be an investor in this state-of-the-art new building. It’s an investment in our students, and Washington’s economic vitality.”
Source: artsci.washington.edu
