Davis & Elkins College celebrates the addition of its new Biotechnology Education Lab in the Eshleman Science Center, thanks to the generosity and vision of donor Joyce Allen. The gift provides a modern and unique asset to the College campus.
Infrastructure improvements, including climate control and plumbing upgrades, provide optimal conditions for year-round use. Modern instrumentation, such as a nanopore DNA sequencer, thermal cycler, incubator, and fume hood, expand opportunities for hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and community engagement.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Goddard adds, “Joyce Allen’s generosity continues to shape the future of education at Davis & Elkins College. The Joyce Butler McKee Allen Biotechnology Education Lab reflects her commitment to innovation and hands-on learning. This modern lab will not only provide students with valuable tools and experiences in biotechnology but also enhance their overall educational journey, preparing them for successful careers. We are profoundly grateful for Joyce’s ongoing support and vision, which will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community.”
“As a faculty member in the Department of Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability, I am especially excited about the opening of the Joyce Butler McKee Allen Biotechnology Education Lab,” says Professor and Chair of the department, Michelle Mabry, Ph.D. “This lab will provide our students with invaluable hands-on experience, enabling them to explore the world of biotechnology in ways that were not previously possible.
“With state-of-the-art equipment like the nanopore DNA sequencer, thermal cycler, and incubator, this lab will play a critical role in our new Biotechnology Lab Techniques course, which will prepare students for careers in a field that is rapidly growing and filled with exciting opportunities. It will also support undergraduate research, helping our students make real-world contributions to the field.
“Joyce Allen’s generous support of this lab is an investment in the future of our students. Her belief in the power of education and hands-on learning will continue to inspire and shape the careers of those who pass through this space. We are deeply grateful for her vision and commitment to advancing biotechnology education at Davis & Elkins College.”
The Education Lab will help facilitate and support the new BIOL 350 Biotechnology Lab Techniques course offered through the College, as well as helping to prepare for the Biotechnology Aptitude & Competency Exam (BACE). This gift helps to ensure students are prepared for careers in the bioscience industry.
