The Biology Department is excited to invite the campus community to its annual research open house on Wednesday, January 15, highlighting the grand opening of the Experimental Plant Investigation Center (EPIC). This state-of-the-art greenhouse will serve as a hub for faculty and students across various disciplines, including biology, biochemistry, and environmental science, as they conduct research related to critical issues such as climate change and sustainable agriculture.
The opening ceremony, set to take place in room B135 at the Cathy ’83 and Marc ’81 Lasry Center for Bioscience on Maywood Street, will begin with refreshments at 1 p.m., followed by the formal program at 1:30 p.m. Local dignitaries, including Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, State Sen. Robyn Kennedy, and State Rep. John Mahoney, are expected to attend to celebrate this significant addition to the university’s research facilities.
EPIC spans 1,275 square feet and includes a head house, a general grow area, and two dedicated research spaces designed to prevent cross-contamination, a necessary requirement for federally funded research initiatives. Professors Chandra Jack and Kaitlyn Mathis, who both focus on plant interactions, will manage the facility and conduct research there.
One of the standout features of the EPIC lab is its capacity for customization and remote monitoring of environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and irrigation. The greenhouse utilizes LED lighting and requires fewer windows than traditional university greenhouses, making it significantly more energy efficient. This facility not only employs 100 percent electric heating and cooling but is also connected to Clark’s cogeneration campus loop.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees can engage with biology students and faculty who will present their research from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will culminate with a keynote address by Lily Khadempour, an assistant professor at Rutgers University and expert in microbial evolutionary ecology. Her talk will focus on insect-microbial symbiosis and eco-evolutionary dynamics and is part of the Spring 2025 Biology Seminar Series, to be held from 4 to 5 p.m. in Lasry B237.
This open house and the opening of EPIC represent a significant advancement in the university’s commitment to research and education, fostering an environment where upcoming generations of scientists can contribute to impactful solutions for pressing environmental challenges.