The Biology Department will host its annual research open house on Wednesday, January 15, featuring the grand opening of the Experimental Plant Investigation Center (EPIC). This new state-of-the-art greenhouse is designed to enhance research efforts related to climate change, sustainable agriculture, and the ecosystems of both urban and rural environments.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in room B135 of the Cathy ’83 and Marc ’81 Lasry Center for Bioscience, starting with refreshments at 1 p.m., followed by the formal program at 1:30 p.m. Attendees will include notable figures such as Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, and State Representative John Mahoney, among others.
EPIC spans 1,275 square feet and is equipped with a head house, general grow space, and two research areas, designed to prevent cross-contamination in compliance with federal research standards. Professors Chandra Jack and Kaitlyn Mathis, who explore plant species interactions, will have dedicated research spaces within EPIC and will oversee the facility’s operations.
One of the innovative features of the EPIC lab is its ability to customize and control the growing environment remotely, including humidity, temperature, and irrigation. The facility also emphasizes energy efficiency, utilizing LED lighting and reduced window usage, alongside entirely electric heating and cooling systems connected to Clark’s cogeneration campus network.
Following the ribbon-cutting, students and faculty will present their research from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will conclude with a keynote address by Lily Khadempour, an assistant professor from Rutgers University, who specializes in microbial evolutionary ecology, specifically examining insect-microbial symbiosis and eco-evolutionary dynamics. Her talk will mark the first lecture of the Spring 2025 Biology Seminar Series and is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. in Lasry B237.
This new facility represents a significant step forward for the university, providing vital resources for both student and faculty research that can contribute to solving pressing environmental challenges.