Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Life Science Center is in the Home Stretch
Chelsea Moffitt, Corner Post Staff

October 20, 2003-In 1994, Dr. Michael Chippendale, interim director of the Life Sciences Center, committed himself and his work to the launch of the LSC building and programs. Now, nine years later, the building is almost completed and Dr. Chippendale is in the final stages of planning.

Chippendale has been with MU for over 35 years. Before he was interim director of the LSC, Dr. Chippendale spent 20 years doing research and teaching in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and also worked in CAFNR administration. With the search for a permanent LSC director, many wonder why Chippendale will not be filling the spot.

"I am committed to a successful launch of the Life Sciences Center but I will be happy to make the hand off to a new director. When I took the job as interim director I was in a good position to really help the center get up and running. Once that job is complete it will be time for someone else to take over and run the LSC," Chippendale said.

It is Chippendale's goal of to have the LSC open for the fall semester of 2004. The building will be finished in May and this summer will be spent getting the building furnished and staffed.

"A key point is to remember that even though the building will not be fully occupied initially there will still be classes and computer labs available for students," Chippendale said.

Although there is a lecture auditorium and three teaching labs the University will also be using the building to conduct research. According to the MU Life Sciences website, "the LSC will enable MU to provide world leadership in research and education in the life sciences in the twenty-first century."

The overall thrust of the LSC is to form teams of scientists from CAFNR, Health Sciences, Arts and Science, Human Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Sciences and Engineering to "increase the production and quality of food, improve human and animal health and improve environmental quality."

"This program was developed with both research and education in mind. By bringing these specialized colleges together we are creating a virtual center for research for not only faculty but also students. This integration would not be possible if it weren't for the new advances in science and technology and to truly make our goals a reality faculty and researchers from each of these colleges is required," Chippendale said.

For more information on the Life Sciences Center and Dr. Chippendale visit the Life Sciences web site.

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