The Biology Department is preparing to host its annual research open house on Wednesday, January 15, featuring the grand opening of the Experimental Plant Investigation Center (EPIC). This new greenhouse facility will serve as a hub for faculty and students in various disciplines, including biology, biochemistry, and environmental science, to enhance their research initiatives focused on climate change, sustainable agriculture, and the dynamics of both urban and rural ecosystems.
The event will commence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in room B135 of the Cathy ’83 and Marc ’81 Lasry Center for Bioscience, starting with refreshments at 1 p.m. and the formal program at 1:30 p.m. Notable guests at this occasion will include Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, and State Representative John Mahoney, among others from local agencies.
EPIC spans 1,275 square feet and is equipped with specialized spaces to prevent cross-contamination, fulfilling requirements for federally funded research. Leading the EPIC lab are professors Chandra Jack and Kaitlyn Mathis, whose research centers on plant species interactions. The lab features advanced controls for humidity, temperature, and irrigation systems that can be managed remotely, promoting a highly efficient research environment.
What sets the EPIC lab apart from traditional greenhouses is its utilization of LED lighting and a design that minimizes reliance on natural sunlight, yielding significant energy efficiency. It operates on 100 percent electric heating and cooling, integrating seamlessly with Clark University’s cogeneration campus loop.
After the ribbon-cutting, the afternoon will include presentations from biology students and faculty showcasing their current research projects. The event will conclude with a keynote address delivered by Lily Khadempour, an assistant professor at Rutgers University who specializes in microbial evolutionary ecology. Her talk will focus on insect-microbial symbiosis and eco-evolutionary dynamics, rounding out the day’s activities and serving as the inaugural lecture of the Spring 2025 Biology Seminar Series.
This opening of EPIC not only symbolizes a commitment to innovative research but also reflects a broader commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges through education and collaboration within the scientific community. The event presents an opportunity to engage with both research endeavors and local leaders, enhancing the relationship between academia and the community.