The Experimental Plant Investigation Center (EPIC) attached to Lasry Center for the Biosciences held its grand opening during the Annual Biology Research Open House on January 15. Although being fully operational during the fall semester, the department celebrated publicly on Wednesday. The event saw remarks from President David Fithian, Mayor Joseph Petty, and other distinguished members of the Biology Department and University Administration.

“We’re grateful that all of you are here today to celebrate this state-of-the-art research facility,” said Assistant Provost and Dean of Research Jennifer Hanselman. “As our scientists guide our students, we think about all the pressing challenges our world faces today, and those challenges will be tackled in this space.”

President Fithian also officially announced the opening of the School of Climate, Environment, and Society in Fall 2025, which will encompass parts of the Environmental Science, Geography, and Political Science departments, as well as the new Climate, Environment, and Society Major and Minor.

 “Climate Change is real,” Fithian stated. “…we hope with the opening of this new school and facility, our students will feel like they are making a difference with those issues.” 

Dr. Kate Mathis and Department Chair Dr. Deb Robertson, both of whom will be working with the new school next semester as well as the Biology department, spoke about their excitement regarding the future this space can provide for Clark students and faculty. 

Dr. Chandra Jack, who studies microbe interactions affecting plant behavior, and Mathis, who studies ants’ behavior with other insects and plants, will be primarily occupying this greenhouse to develop their ongoing projects. The space is a respectable 1,725 square-feet. EPIC will also include research involving agriculture, climate change, urban and rural ecosystems, and food security. 

Following the speeches and ribbon-cutting, the department opened its doors for its annual research showcase, where almost every lab was filled with eager students and staff presenting their research projects and exploring what the department has to offer.