UD undergraduates Donna Price and Sarah Garner came out to put their names on the beam. Both are participating in UD’s Summer Scholars research program, studying the biogenesis of proteins called cytochromes in the laboratory of Molly Sutherland, assistant professor of biological sciences.
At the same time, they have been watching the genesis of Building X — from the demolition of McKinly to the gradual emergence of what will be a new, brick L-shaped building that will house researchers in psychology, neuroscience, biology, quantum science, materials science, physics and biophysics.
“It will really allow us to move our work into the next generation and allow us to educate our students in modern biological techniques,” said Melinda Duncan, professor of biological sciences, associate vice president for research and director of the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). “It will be a site where we can put in state-of-the-art equipment so that we can be competitive for large federal awards.”
Edmund Nowak, professor of physics and chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, signed the beam and exulted with a capital “X.”
“Hooray!” he said. “It’s most X-cellent to see the building taking shape and to feel the optimism and X-itement about the X-ceptional opportunities it will provide. Seriously, it will be immensely impactful for our students, faculty and the community. I am deeply grateful to those who have had a hand in making it a reality.”
The bones of the building now are ready for all of the necessary embellishments. Opening day is getting closer.
“I didn’t think this day would ever get here,” said John Pelesko, a mathematician whose tenure as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will end shortly. He signed the beam just 12 days before beginning a new chapter as provost at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. “Hundreds and hundreds of people have worked tirelessly to get this to this point.”
Article by Beth Miller
Photos by Evan Krape and courtesy of John Brainerd/Eye In The Sky Studios
July 24, 2023