Experiential learning is a big part of what makes a Colorado State University education great, and thanks to one recent project, some of the busiest labs on campus have received a much-needed overhaul. 

“Now, these academic spaces are more realistic to what students will encounter when they start their careers,” said Melissa Reynolds, the former associate dean of research at the College of Natural Sciences who oversaw the renovation. 

The project involved revamping 32 labs across campus to make them more realistic to what modern science does, as well as ensuring they have less of a carbon footprint by installing solar shades, hundreds of new LED lights and more efficient faucets. 

It also involved new paint, window covers and casework aimed at giving the labs a brighter and more welcoming environment. 

These spaces are in multiple buildings across campus that serve students taking classes in physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. All told, the Office of Institutional Research said roughly 92% of all students who graduate from CSU will step through one of these labs at some point in their academic career. 

“Doing this is really all about giving students the best experience we can,” said Erik Jaramillo, the project manager who oversaw the renovations. 

This process started back in 2019, when Reynolds first entered a proposal to the University Facility Fee Advisory Board, which is made up of CSU students who decide how a portion of their annual fees should be used to fund capital improvement projects on campus. 

The lab renovations were ultimately approved in March 2020 – right before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down campus. However, this proved to be a blessing: during normal operations, these labs are used from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but with fewer people physically in the buildings, Facilities Management crews had an easier time closing the labs for the overhaul. 

“Now that students are back on campus full-time, they can see their renovated lab spaces with high-quality materials, and a demonstration of how their fees are put to good use,” Reynolds said.