The Life Sciences Building has opened a new lab for students needing additional instruction in the sciences.
In November, some faculty members recognized a need for supplemental instruction in the sciences after a student voiced his concerns to the Student Government Association about his need for additional help with chemistry. He suggested they implement a lab like the one the Math Department uses.
The School of Natural Sciences soon went to work.
“We have always in the past felt that there weren’t enough resources to help some of the students who were struggling,” Emmanuel Otu, dean of the School of Natural Sciences, said, “but somehow we were able to meet the need by having the individual faculty who were teaching the classes help the students.”
The project took shape and came together quickly with only a few hurdles in the way.
“The problem was could we find a space and could we find people to help the students,” Otu said. “We wanted it to be someone other than the instructors so that the student can get a different perspective.”
Samantha Strom, chemistry senior and a tutor in the new lab, said she agrees with Otu.
“Having [your subject] explained by one of your peers helps because you get a different angle, and it makes science not as scary,” Strom said.
Finding help
The Natural Sciences Lab is open to all students and officially opened its doors on Feb. 7 to offer additional instruction in chemistry, anatomy, physiology, biology and geosciences, as well as computer science and informatics.
The Natural Sciences Lab will be staffed by upper-level students who have received excellent grades in the subject they will be instructing. The lab will also be staffed by a few professors who have volunteered their time.
“If the student comes to the lab and has a question about biology, chemistry or computer science, they will have someone in that area to help them,” Otu said.
The staff
The student instructors will be paid, but the professional instructors won’t be compensated.
Stacey Deneen, biology senior and a tutor in the lab, said it is more convenient to come to the Natural Sciences Building to tutor, and, since it is free to the students, she said she feels it will help more people.
“Specific time slots help you keep the same tutor,” Deneen said. “It’s more structured.”
Strom said she agrees it’s sometimes a scary experience to have to ask for help, but they encourage students not to feel intimidated.
“Don’t be nervous,” Strom said. “We’re willing to help, and if we don’t know the answer to your question, we will find someone who does.”
Michael Richmond, computer science and informatics sophomore, said he thinks it’ll help.
“Currently, we have a lab consultant in the science building,” Richmond said, “but the hours are limited. There’s not really any other resource other than your professors.”
Chris Temple, computer science sophomore, said he’s glad they set up the lab.
“I will definitely use [the lab],” Temple said. “I still need to take my second semester of chemistry. The first semester was pretty rough. I wish it would have been here then.”
Otu said he credits the quick assembly of the new lab to Fran Squires, associate professor of education, for donating the space, as well as one of his administrative secretaries, Dodie Simms, for getting everyone connected and organized.
While the Natural Sciences Lab has been established, Otu said it should not be taken for granted. The facility must be used in order to be successful.
“The center is here, but [the students] have to come because, if they don’t, we have to close it,” Otu said.
The Natural Sciences Lab is located in the Life Sciences Building, room 255, and is open to all students Monday from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional days and hours will be added in March.
By LESLIE RADCLIFF
Photo Editor
radclifl@umail.iu.edu