By Savannah Baylor
IV Leader Staff, Sept. 23, 2010
Crammed.
That's the word used by nursing student Brett Gibson to describe his experience last year in the bio lab.
"Last year, I felt crammed into a tiny space with all the others," Gibson said. "Now I feel as a new individual.
Last year, I would rather go home and finish projects opposed to staying here and working on my assignment; now, I never want to leave!"
Gibson's newfound liking of the bio lab is due to a $1 million remodeling project, which occurred last spring and this summer.
Full-time laboratory instructor LeeAnn Johnson sees the changes as a benefit for students.
"There are monitors for every lab table, making it easier for power point and so on," Johnson said when describing the changes. "It is easier for students to come up with study sessions. The way it is set up is so much easier than squeezing through certain areas.
"The esthetics are more welcoming as in the glass barriers between the classes are soundproof making teaching and listening a much more rewarding experience, and the students feel that we are more approachable to ask for any questions."
Johnson said the remodel was needed.
"In the old lab there were outdated supplies, such as plumbing, and technology (as in none). The first lab was here in the mid 70's, I believe, which was really outdated. There was no ventilation system, no cooling system, nothing compared to how it is now. It was time to remodel, time to rebuild and remold."
Gibson agrees. He said the lab seems "warmer" after the remodel. "The atmosphere is more welcoming to teachers and students. Almost like you can feel a new era, this lab will benefit the students greatly.”
Johnson said the remodeling has proved beneficial for all concerned — even IVCC's rehabilitation birds, which now have a new home with more natural light.