UNF unveils state-of-the-art chemistry labs to advance research and student success
The University of North Florida Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrated the opening of newly renovated research and teaching facilities with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a significant investment in student learning and scientific innovation.
The renovations, completed by local construction firm CPPI, include a new organic chemistry teaching lab, a state-of-the-art instrumentation suite and a research lab designated for future faculty initiatives.
“We are excited to advance teaching and research through these state-of-the-art facilities, helping UNF attract top faculty, researchers and students,” said Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam, College of Arts and Sciences dean. “We are grateful to the donors, corporate sponsors and university partners who shared our vision and helped make this investment possible to meet the growing talent needs of the STEM, healthcare and health sciences sectors across Northeast Florida.”
The organic chemistry teaching lab can accommodate up to 18 students and features 13 advanced chemical fume hoods, laboratory benches, sinks and chemical storage cabinets. The instrumentation suite and research lab also feature new chemical fume hoods and movable lab benches that optimize space and can be adapted to support evolving research needs.
The expanded facilities will serve approximately 250 UNF undergraduate organic chemistry students each semester and support the department’s 25 faculty members, providing enhanced opportunities for experiential learning, undergraduate research and scientific collaboration. Organic chemistry is a foundational course for students pursuing pre-med and pre-health pathways as well as majors in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, behavioral neuroscience and physics. The new research lab space positions UNF to recruit additional faculty in emerging and high-demand research fields.
Funding for the project was made possible through a combination of individual and corporate support along with prior state funding. Major contributors include longtime College of Arts and Sciences advocate and lead donor Jim Van Vleck, Dottie Dorion, Lory Doolittle, UNF chemistry alumnus Chuck Ged ‘86, and several other families. Corporate gifts were received from Bacardi Bottling Corporation and Johnson & Johnson Vision. Two of the spaces have been named in recognition of donor support, the Bacardi Bottling Biochemistry Laboratory and the George H. Dorion, PhD. Chemical Research Laboratory.
Advanced Environmental Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and the Bacardi company have been longtime partners with UNF’s chemistry and biochemistry programs. Through Bacardi’s two-semester-long internship pipeline program, UNF students have gained valuable industry experience and many have transitioned directly into full-time careers at Bacardi after graduation.
“Investing in the UNF chemistry program provides a good return for UNF students as well as Jacksonville businesses,” said Andy del Rosal, vice president supply chain innovation for Bacardi in Jacksonville, his family’s company. “Bacardi is proud to support the next generation of scientists who play a critical role in our society, from developing life-saving pharmaceuticals to safeguarding the water supply to improving the food and beverage products we use every day.”