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Chaminade’s laboratory renovations create a new and vibrant environment for modern science instruction and the pursuit of scholarly research. The new laboratory facilities encompass approximately 15,700 square feet and are multi-purpose, used for both introductory and advanced courses for majors and allow instructors to fully utilize their recognized expertise.
Specialized support spaces include
The laboratories were decades old and in disrepair when a renovation master plan was implemented in 2002.(The photo at right is of the old labs.) In 2003, the Castle Science Complex now Wesselkamper Science Center opened and later the university library moved to its present new location, allowing the gutting of the old lab facilities and the necessary upgrades to the infrastructure in Henry Hall. From 2004 through 2010 new teaching laboratories and support spaces were phased in. In 2006 a temporary research facility was operational and in 2007 a tissue culture facility was opened. From 2009-2010 advanced instrumentation arrived and by 2010 the construction was complete and Chaminade welcomed a new suite of teaching laboratories as well as permanent research facilities and support areas.
Equipment includes:
Facilities capabilities:
In addition to the advanced instrumentation listed above, Chaminade now has a Nikon confocal and epi-fluorescent microscope system. Faculty, grad students and undergraduates will use the advanced microscopy facility for research in the areas of in cancer biology, immunology, toxicology, entomology and trace evidence analysis. Among many innovative features, the Nikon C1 Plus Ti Eclipse epi-fluorescence and confocal imaging system supports state-of-the-art imaging techniques including simultaneous 3-channel fluorescence, point-scan confocal, time-lapse acquisition, live cell imaging and spatial analysis.
The successful "I Am A Scientist" mobile outreach program share our labs beyond the campus. It is part of a broader initiative to encourage science awareness and education in Hawaii's public schools. "I am a Scientist" is a collaboration between the Chaminade university faculty, staff and student service clubs. Fun projects such as the "Germs on Me" program are engaging for all ages and are presented assembly-style, with professional equipment such as microscopes, petri dishes and lab coats supplied by Chaminade. Chaminade student service club member volunteers (such as the Biology Club members) provide instruction and serve as role models for the participants. This outreach program is under the direction of Chaminade staff/ grad student Lori Shimoda.
The national Mobile Laboratories Coalition Newsletter recently published an article on the Chaminade outreach project.
As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Chaminade has adhered to green building and energy efficient principles wherever possible in construction and renovation projects.
