BANGOR, MAINE, Aug. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Husson University celebrated the official opening of seven new state-of-the-art science laboratories with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Tours of the new facility, refreshments and science demonstrations were available at the conclusion of the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Incoming students have expressed significant interest in pursuing careers in physical therapy, exercise science, occupational therapy, nursing, pre-med and pharmacy. Students are also pursuing degrees in biology, psychology and clinical mental health counseling,” said Dr. Robert A. Clark, president of Husson University. “Nearly all of the degrees I just mentioned require students to have an understanding of scientific theory and practices in order to be successful.”
“Having access to modern science laboratories and the equipment they contain is essential to a successful education,” Clark continued. “This knowledge helps ensure that students in health-related disciplines are ready for work on day one.”
Creating these new facilities required the University to spend $2 million. Included in this total were $588,000 in philanthropic gifts from alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, students, family members and friends of the University. It should be noted that 100% of faculty from Husson University’s College of Science and Humanities helped support this project with their donations. Additional institutional funding of $1.4+ million ensured that this project was fully funded as part of Husson’s commitment to innovative initiatives. The university has not borrowed any funds or incurred any debt to make these new facilities possible.
Approximately one-third of Husson’s current population is enrolled in health-related programs that would use these new biology laboratory facilities. This includes students enrolled in the University’s new pre-medical degree program.
“These new labs will be used extensively by students going into health care-related careers. Here at Husson, nurses and pre-med students use the same equipment found in professional medical facilities,” said Dr. Phillip Taylor, III, dean of the University’s College of Sciences and Humanities.
One such device is a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. NMR spectroscopy allows individuals to observe the magnetic fields around atomic nuclei. Found in professional healthcare research facilities, this equipment helps individuals better understand biological processes at the molecular level and the inner workings of cells.
Students will also begin working with a Leica DMI 6000 B inverted microscope. This microscope was donated to the University by the Updike Laboratory at the MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor.
It has a 600x magnification and can detect fluorescently labeled proteins. It will give students the opportunity to study a wide variety of biological samples that were previously too small to see. These types of microscopes are used to view cell and tissue samples in professional laboratories by laboratory technicians, research assistants, doctoral students, or those working for biotechnology organizations. Husson graduates can use a microscope like this to look at tissue or blood samples in a clinical laboratory setting to diagnose a disease, such as blood cancer.
Experience using this technology makes Husson graduates more marketable to biotech and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and other science-using organizations. One of the many students whose education will be enhanced by these new labs is Carla Rodriguez, a junior from Southbridge, Massachusetts, who is double majoring in health sciences/pre-medical and psychology. After graduating from Husson, Rodriguez has aspirations to continue her education in medical school to become a cardio or trauma surgeon.
“Facilities like these new labs are what make modern science education possible,” Rodriguez said. “I feel that every student at Husson is challenged to go further and achieve more than we might have originally thought. In my case, working in these labs will give me a huge confidence boost.”
“Becoming a surgeon means you have to do everything with your hands,” concluded Rodriguez. “Mixing chemicals or working in biological dissections are the kinds of experiences that will affect how I carry myself and how comfortable I will be in my future work.”
In addition to enhancing the high-quality education already available at Husson University Board of Trustees Chairman John Rohman believes these laboratories will make a significant contribution to the economic development of our region.
“Maine’s improving economy requires that we have the workforce needed to fill the jobs of tomorrow,” Rohman said. “Our country needs new technology and biotechnology professionals. If Maine’s economy is to stay alive and strong, we must attract employers who offer good-paying jobs to our area. One of the key ingredients that organizations look for before deciding to move into a market is whether an educated workforce with the skills and knowledge they need is available.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM jobs, are projected to grow by 10.5% from 2020 to 2030, while non-STEM occupations should see a gain of just 7.5%. . Median annual wages for STEM jobs were nearly $50,000 above non-STEM wages in 2020. And health care careers, which typically require STEM training, are expected to see even more growth than typical STEM jobs.
“Husson Laboratories has an important role to play in creating economic prosperity here in Maine,” continued Rohman. “Science-based education at the University is creating the workforce needed to fill the good-paying local jobs of tomorrow. A talented and prosperous workforce will increase the economic vitality of our entire region.”
For more than 120 years, Husson University has demonstrated its adaptability and strength in providing educational programs that prepare future leaders to meet the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With a commitment to providing affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Hallmarks of a Husson education include advanced knowledge provided through quality business education programs; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. According to an analysis of tuition and fees by US News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.
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Carla Rodriguez cuts the ribbon
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Marnik under the microscope