Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., this week dedicates a biotech building, and science and business leaders are coming to learn about what the university and the Upstate have to offer. The keynote speech will be given by one of the nation's leading scientists.
On April 22 at 11 a.m., Clemson officially welcomes the world to its Biosystems Research Complex. The university's newest laboratory facility serves as a focal point for biotechnology research, a growing field that uses life sciences -- biology, genomics, biochemistry and bioengineering -- to create new products and processes in medicine, agriculture and industry. Connect to www.clemson.edu/bio for more information about university biotechnology programs, researchers and resources.
The keynote address will be given by Bruce W. Stillman, director and chief executive officer of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Located in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., the internationally respected laboratory is a private, nonprofit research and educational institution with research programs focusing on cancer, neurobiology and plant genetics. Stillman is best known for his research on DNA replication, the process by which DNA is duplicated prior to cell division.
Other speakers will include university president James F. Barker, David A. Micklos of the Dolan DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor, Clemson provost Doris R. Helms and John W. Kelly, university vice president and dedication host.
Helms and Micklos will announce a South Carolina DNA Learning Center affiliated with the Dolan Center. The S.C. center will be located in Jordan Hall on campus and is scheduled to open in Spring 2005. Robert E. Ballard, professor in biological sciences, will serve as director.
DNA learning centers prepare students and families to thrive in the gene age. Their mission is to expose students to principles of genetics and disease risk, to provide the opportunity to do hands-on experiments with DNA, and to provide access to genetic information to families and individuals when they need to make informed health care choices.
The $27-million Biosystems Research Complex was built with the support of the South Carolina General Assembly. The complex includes 108,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratories and 40,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses. The complex's resources include an automated system to mass produce genetic reference libraries as well as a mass spectrometer, a supercritical extraction unit and micro-array capabilities.
Today, Clemson is a nationally recognized research university where approximately 17,000 students pursue more than 80 undergraduate and 100 graduate degree programs in five academic colleges. Clemson also serves the state's citizens, communities and businesses through Public Service Activities that include research, extension and regulatory services. For more information: www.clemson.edu.
Directions to Biosystems Research Complex: Traveling on I-85, take Highway 76 (Exit 19). Travel toward Clemson approximately 10 miles (tiger paws mark the way). Turn left onto Highway 93. Travel toward the campus approximately 0.5 mile. Turn left onto Cherry Road at the first light. Travel approximately 0.2 mile. Building is on the right.