DURHAM, N.C. – Lab 1, the oldest laboratory classroom at the Duke University Marine Lab, has served students, faculty and visiting scholars well for more than 80 years.  But now, the facility has been thoroughly modernized, refurbished and outfitted to meet the needs of 21st century marine science teaching.

The extensive modernization of Lab 1, which has been in continuous service since 1938, was made possible through support from the National Science Foundation’s Field Station and Marine Laboratories Program.

Improvements include energy-efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, lighting and appliances; upgraded audio-visual systems; new seawater tables; ergonomic chairs; new casework and sinks; refurbished benches; chemical-resistant bench tops; new dissecting, compound and instruction microscopes; and an ADA-compliant building access and bathroom.

Lab I’s two classrooms are used for Duke undergraduate and graduate-level courses, and also serve as the principle assigned classroom space for visiting students and groups.

Located on Pivers Island in the historic coastal town of Beaufort, N.C., the Duke Marine Lab is a year-round research and teaching campus with academic programs at the undergraduate, masters and PhD levels.  The lab is a unit within the Nicholas School and serves as administrative headquarters for the Division of Marine Science and Conservation.

The Lab 1 modernization is part of a planned multi-phase renovation and expansion of Marine Lab facilities and programs.

Other new or upgraded programs and facilities include a state-of-the-art Marine Conservation Molecular Facility; the LEED-certified Marguerite Kent Repass Ocean Conservation Center; and significant expansions to research and teaching programs in the rapidly emerging field of marine molecular biology, which has applications in biotechnology, conservation genetics and medical sciences.

A nearly 10,000-square-foot Marine Science and Conservation Genetic Center also is planned. The center will house a 20-seat molecular biology research laboratory and a 16-seat teaching lab designed for molecular-based coursework, as well as office space and meeting areas for faculty, students, research associates and visiting scientists. Construction is slated to begin in summer 2012, with opening planned for fall 2013.