Biology Enters a New Era with the Launch of the EPIC Greenhouse
Marking a momentous step in the world of biological research, the Biology Department at Clark University is set to welcome the campus community to its annual research open house on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The highlight of this event will be the grand opening of the Experimental Plant Investigation Center, or EPIC – an all-new greenhouse that promises to be a gamechanger in fields such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem studies.
The EPIC greenhouse reaffirms the university’s commitment to spearheading research in biochemistry, environmental science, and other related disciplines. The facility’s design and capabilities make it an ideal space not only for faculty, but also for students, to expand their research horizons and make significant contributions to these critical areas of study.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in room B135 of the Cathy ’83 and Marc ’81 Lasry Center for Bioscience on Maywood Street. Starting with refreshments at 1 p.m., the formal program will begin at 1:30. The guest list includes illustrious personalities such as Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, MPA ’21, State Representative John Mahoney, and representatives from local agencies.
The grandeur of the EPIC lab is evident in its design. The 1,275-square-foot space houses a head house, general grow space, and two research spaces, separated to avoid cross-contamination – a crucial requirement for federally funded research projects. The professors managing the facility, Chandra Jack and Kaitlyn Mathis, are renowned for their work on species interactions with plants, and have been provided with research spaces of their own in the lab.
One of the major selling points of the EPIC lab is its cutting-edge technology. The lab provides the researchers with the ability to remotely manage each room’s humidity, temperature, and irrigation. The use of LED lighting and a reduction in the number of windows contribute to making the lab more energy efficient than traditional university greenhouses. Furthermore, the lab functions on 100 percent electric heating and cooling, and is connected to Clark’s cogeneration campus loop, further emphasizing its green credentials.
The opening day of the EPIC lab will be packed with engaging activities. Following the ribbon-cutting, biology students and faculty will showcase their research from 2 to 4 p.m. The day will conclude with a keynote address by Lily Khadempour, an assistant professor at Rutgers University. Khadempour, a microbial evolutionary ecologist, will provide valuable insights on insect-microbial symbiosis and eco-evolutionary dynamics. This presentation will also mark the first lecture of the Spring 2025 Biology Seminar Series and will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. in Lasry B237.
The launch of the EPIC greenhouse marks a new chapter in the Biology Department’s tradition of research and discovery. It paves the way for breakthroughs in our understanding of plant life, climate change, and sustainable practices. The facility stands as a testament to the department’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and providing its students and faculty with the resources they need to make a meaningful impact on our world.