Southern Oklahoma Technology Center biotechnology students have had an exciting week — they recently moved equipment into the new biotechnology lab.
Thursday, two students, Jennifer Wolf and Laura Nelson, cut the ribbon.
Today, they will have their first class in the brand-new facility.
“It’s a privilege to get to work in a beautiful lab,” Wolf said.
The lab was built with donations from the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation and the Noble Foundation.
“You already have the program in place, so it will be great to see what you do with the space,” said Mary Kate Wilson, Noble Foundation Director of Granting.
It will house two student labs and two instructor offices. A second biotechnology class will be added next school year.
“We’re glad to be a part of this, and we’re glad to help. We have high confidence in this school and feel our grant dollars are used wisely,” said Larry Pulliam, president of the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation.
Before, students had to switch rooms in order to use computers or certain equipment.
“It’s better and we have more room to do stuff and we can do it all in the same lab,” student Michael Wright said.
When planning the bigger lab, instructor Fiona McAlester wanted additional space while maintaining the intimacy of her smaller lab.
“I love my little lab, so why not make a bigger version. This one is safer, and we can get up and move around more,” McAlester said.
This was accomplished by keeping the groupings of four student spots at a lab table, but now each will have their own computer. Students look forward to working with more room.
“It’s big and we’re not all squished,” student Kendra Massey said.
More room also allows more space for equipment.
“I had purchased new equipment with a federal grant, but it’s been in storage. We unpacked it earlier this week, and it was like Christmas morning for nerds,” McAlester said.
Equipment plays an important role in the program’s hands-on curriculum.
“Everything we use is real. It’s not a mock up. If they decide to go into the sciences, they will be confident because they’ve used it. It makes them feel their learning is very valuable,” McAlester said.
Even equipment the students had before is exciting because it’s new and more accessible.
“We have horizontal flow hoods that provide a sterile environment. We always had to go across the hall before, and these are brand new,” student Laura Nelson said.
Now equipped with the proper space, equipment and curriculum, SOTC officials hope to train the scientists of tomorrow.
“We’ve taken a smoking porch and turned it into an educational opportunity. Where else can you, while in high school, study with a Ph.D. and have hundreds of Ph.D.’s next door to shadow,” Powell said.
Jennifer Lindsey, 221-6536
