Students at Trinity Western University now have even more research capacity thanks to the opening of the newly-expanded Neufeld Science Centre.

鈥淭his significantly increases our capacity for advanced research and it is paving the way for the our students to come alongside faculty to get involved in the research enterprise,鈥� said TWU president Dr. Jonathan Raymond.

The 7,778 square foot expansion provides administrative space for the school of nursing and research laboratories for the development of graduate programs in biology and chemistry. It also houses the new Dr. Jack Van Dyke Chemistry Research Laboratory that supports current chemistry faculty research projects in areas such as 鈥榞reen chemistry鈥�, plant chemical ecology, and polymer blends with the potential to be used in the clean up of toxic spills.

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $1.953 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, under Canada鈥檚 Economic Action Plan. The total project cost $3.9 million.

鈥淥ur government is investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life of Canadians,鈥� said 91原创 MP Mark Warawa.

鈥淭his investment created local jobs and has helped improve Trinity鈥檚 research infrastructure, providing benefits now and for years to come.鈥�

In addition to Warawa, Fort 91原创-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman, the minister responsible for energy and mines, was on hand for the opening on Nov. 4.

Also attending were the Honourable Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge, Mission; Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of 91原创; Deputy Mayor Grant Ward, Township of 91原创; Dr. Calvin Hanson, TWU President Emeritus; the TWU Board of Governors; donors who supported the project; and other friends of TWU including Lori Neufeld, daughter of the original patrons for the Neufeld Science Centre, Mrs. Anna and Dr. George Neufeld.