This afternoon, the campus hosted a ribbon-cutting for the biotechnology research lab funded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC). in the Antonucci Science Complex. The event will celebrate the university's undergraduate biotechnology research and the state's vibrant workforce. Prior to the ribbon cutting, students presented their research at a poster session, after which, Biology and Chemistry Professor Dr. Michael Nosek welcomed honored guests, students faculty, and staff. Fitchburg State President Richard Lapidus, Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia, State Senator John Cronin representative Susan Coughlin Templeton, and MLSC Leadership:  VP Ryan Mudawar made brief remarks. Templeton presented a congratulatory certificate from the Massachusetts State Senate. A tour of the research lab followed the ribbon cutting.

Students in Biology Professor Christopher Picone General Biology II Lab are studying invertebrate anatomy, In this particular lab, the invertebrates  being studied are worms and lobsters. 

Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Dennis Awasabisah's Organic Chemistry II Lab perform an experiment extracting lycopene from two brands of tomato paste. Lycopene is a type of organic pigment called a carotenoid that's is related to beta-carotene and gives some vegetables and fruits (e.g., tomatoes) a red color. It is a powerful antioxidant that might help protect cells from damage. 

Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Dr. Michael Nosek's Cell Culture  Techniques are back at it after spring break in the Antonucci Science Complex. Cells they froze before the break needed to be thawed out before performing today's experiment. This course consists of a survey of the techniques and experimental approaches used in cell culture experimentation. Topics covered will include sterile technique, media preparation, types and sources of cells, cell propagation and quantification, and viability assays. Students will develop their own research project based on their interests. They will use the scientific method to formulate hypotheses and carry out appropriate experiments to address the hypotheses.

Taking advantage during spring break, upgrades are being made in the Antonucci Science Complex thanks to a grant worth nearly $750,000 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) for enhancing the biology and chemistry laboratories here at Fitchburg State University, creating new research and learning opportunities for students and faculty members. Biology and Chemistry Professor Dennis Awasabisah observes, and lends a hand when needed, while MBRAUN Technician Craig installs the new glovebox workstation.

 Nursing  students learn the methods of, and importance of, patient oxygenation in their Nursing Foundations Lab. In this course, emphasis is placed on professionalism, caring, communication, cultural considerations, spirituality, sexuality and health promoting activities. 

Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Steven Fiedler's General Chemistry II Lab work on an experiment in the Antonucci Science Complex.

This afternoon, the university's Career Services and Advising Center sponsored a Health Sciences career fair in the Hammond Main Lounge. The program was open to all students in all majors, with a focus on positions in; nursing, biology, chemistry, and exercise and sports science.

Both faculty and students got a chance to learn from, and ask questions of Scott Richardson, AIA, LEEP AP, Principal, Co-Founder of Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) as part of the  Engineering Technology Department's  guest speaker series in Conlon Hall this morning.

Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Dr. Sean Rollins' Medical Microbiology course performed various procedures in today's labs in the Antonucci Science Complex. The course serves as an introduction to the biology of major groups of micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Emphasis is placed on their relationship to man as agents of infectious diseases. In the laboratory principles and practices of aseptic techniques and diagnostic identification and culture of disease entities are explored.