“All the labs are multi-functional ...the labs are designed so that all the necessary materials are there.” —Larry Grimes, Professor of Biological Sciences
cell biology, microbiology, ecology, etc.,” said Grimes. “All the labs are multi-functional. I teach six or seven different courses in the same room because the labs are designed so that all the necessary materials are there.” The building and the College’s increased focus on science, technology and mathematics has positioned Meredith to be a leader in STEM education opportunities for women. Biological Sciences is now one of the most popular majors at Meredith College, and all of the programs housed in Science and Mathematics Building are growing. Since 2002, the number of students majoring in STEM programs at Meredith has increased by 25 percent. Chemistry has tripled in size in the last five years, there has been an increase in students earning mathematics teaching licensure and computer science enrollment is on an upward trajectory. The building has also helped Meredith attract and retain well-qualified faculty members. Professor of Mathematics Jackie Dietz is one example. “I came to Meredith from NC State in 2004 for a variety of reasons, but among them was the opportunity to teach and work in the Science and Mathematics Building,” Dietz said. Dietz says the technology that comes standard in the building’s classrooms enhances
her teaching and the learning experience for students. “I teach statistics, and I use technology during every class; the computer projectors built into the classrooms make this easy and seamless,” Dietz said. “The document cameras make it possible to project a variety of other materials on the screen in addition to our laptop screens. Students sit at tables for
two, making it easy for students to collaborate during class.” Student-Focused Building
Collaboration is common in the classroom, research labs and shared areas in the Science and Mathematics Building. The building is designed to promote interaction between faculty members, between faculty and students, and between the students themselves. “We don’t have to create programming to make that interaction happen,” Vice President for Academic Planning and Programs Liz Wolfinger said. “The building’s design is making that possible naturally.” Among the building’s important features are student/faculty research labs for each faculty office. These small research labs are all designed to fit the faculty member’s discipline. “Faculty designed the labs around their professional goals and needs,” said Professor of Biological Sciences John Mecham. “Since faculty here are student-focused, their labs were designed in the best way to support student learning and outcomes. The labs give us an intellectual space in which we can work with students.” Wolfinger, who has been a biology faculty member at Meredith since 1992,
“Since faculty here are student-focused, their labs were designed in the best way to support student learning and outcomes.”—John Meacham, Professor of Biological Sciences
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