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Vol. 24, No. 6 Oct. 16, 1998

New Greenhouse at Barnard Enhances Biological Sciences

By Hannah Fairfield

On Oct. 8, Barnard dedicated its new state-of-the-art greenhouse, which improves teaching and student research opportunities in Barnard's department of biological sciences. The greenhouse will be named after Arthur Ross, a Barnard trustee and the benefactor of the new facility.

The structure atop Milbank includes a general public area and a large conservatory for the teaching collection, as well as two pairs of research bays for specialized research. Each year, over 300 students studying introductory biology, molecular biology, plant physiology, microbiology, and ecology will benefit from the new structure.

Barnard President Judith R. Shapiro said, "We are grateful that Arthur Ross, who is known for his interest in horticulture and has shown such sensitivity to environmental issues in the past, has had the vision to see what this gift will do for future generations of students, including those who go on to be scientists."

Gayle F. Robinson, chair of the Barnard Trustees, said of the greenhouse, "It makes Barnard even more competitive and prepared for the new millennium."

The new greenhouse, which replaces the 1928 greenhouse, has a custom-designed aluminum and glass shell and fully computerized heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and watering systems to provide climate control. An elevator was also installed to provide access for the disabled and to transport plants and supplies. The entire greenhouse, which was designed by the architectural firm of The Stein Partnership, is 3,400 square feet-2,100 square feet of which are under glass.