Facilities and Equipment

Suter Science Center East Wing renovations were completed in 2015, providing biology and chemistry departments with brand new facilities, hardware and safety equipment. Suter West Wing was dedicated in 2021. Along with new seating, lighting and upgraded technology for Swartzendruber Hall, Suter West renovations included new laboratory space for EMU’s engineering program, modernized classrooms, upgrading of the Discovery Room and expanded displays from the D. Ralph Hostetter Natural History Collection, upgraded climate-control system and an improved sprinkler system.

Take a virtual tour of the science center.

Microscopy:

• Rotary microtome
• Differential interference contrast, phase, and epifluorescence capable microscopes
• Compound and dissecting light microscopes

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology:

• Milligram digital balances
• Millipore reverse osmosis water purification system
• Millipore UV ultrapure water purification system
• Environmental chambers/incubators
• Beta Star vacuum autoclave (steam sterilizer)
• High-speed refrigerated centrifuges
• Protein and DNA electrophoresis equipment
• Bacterial and eukaryotic cell culture facilities
• Spectrophotometers and atomic absorption spectrophotometers
• High-performance liquid chromatographs
• Thermal cycler and real-time thermal cycler system for PCR
• Ultra-low temperature freezer
• Ovens and vacuum ovens
• VernierLabQuest 2 data collection devices and sensor equipment
  • pH meters
  • Light sensors
  • Temperature probes and melt station
  • Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and gas pressure sensors
  • Calorimeters and SpectroVis Plus spectrophotometers
  • Conductivity probes and turbidity sensors
  • Dissolved oxygen probes
  • Soil moisture sensors
  • Flow rate sensors

Anatomy & Physiology:

• Human cadaver laboratory
• Ventilated storage cabinets for preserved specimens and organic chemicals
• Physiograph instruments and accessories
• Vivarium with separate rooms for mice, rats, fish, reptiles, amphibians, etc.

Ecology:

Our convenient location in the Shenandoah Valley offers EMU access to a range of mountain, valley and river ecosystems, allowing easily for students and faculty to conduct meaningful field work. Common spots for field trips include Bergton, VA, a small rural community where students and researchers find fascinating ecosystems and restoration projects in some of the uppermost tributaries of the Shenandoah River and Chesapeake Bay. Other popular locations include Natural Chimneys Park, Mt. Solon; Dolly Sods, WV; and more streams and rivers of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• 900 sq. foot greenhouse
• Eden Arboretum, including Peace Park and 13-acre Park Woods Reserve
• Environmental field monitoring equipment
• Environmental growth chambers for plants
• Darwin Chambers insect rearing chamber
• Preserved specimens
  • EMU Herbarium includes approximately 2,500 plant specimens
  • Local and exotic wildlife taxidermy
  • Preserved vertebrates and invertebrate collection
• VernierLabQuest 2 data collection devices and sensor equipment
  • pH, light sensors, and temperature probes
  • Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and gas pressure sensors
  • Conductivity probes and turbidity sensors
  • Dissolved oxygen probes
  • Soil moisture sensors
  • Flow rate sensors