The legacy of William Alfred Cook will be further enhanced on campus through a new laboratory for bioscience research bearing the name of the life sciences pioneer.

William Alfred Cook Laboratory for Bioscience Research will allow students to develop knowledge of the biological sciences through hands-on education in plant life. The 1,350-square-foot facility will be constructed on the south wall of Crapo Hall, and will become the visual focal point in the academic center of the campus.

"This spectacular facility will serve as a living laboratory experience for our students, showcasing our commitment to the life sciences, and helping us produce graduates who can combine superior problem-solving abilities with an awareness of the role of biology and botany in technical solutions," says President Matt Branam.

A $500,000 donation making the laboratory possible came from Carl Cook, chief executive officer of the Cook Group global network of companies and Rose- Hulman trustee, in honor of his late father and company founder. A noted philanthropist, William Alfred Cook and his family were involved in numerous charitable activities, and have supported the expansion of the biosciences at Rose-Hulman.

Over the past 10 years, there has been the establishment of the Department of Applied Biology and Biomedical Engineering, expansion of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and addition of research programs in biofuels, biochemistry, biology, and botany.

"My father was a cross-disciplinary inventor who used engineering technology to solve complex problems in the field of internal medicine," says Carl Cook in announcing the Rose-Hulman donation.

"Our family is proud to help advance this cross-disciplinary approach to learning and experimentation in the new William Alfred Cook Laboratory for Bioscience Research. In this facility, students will explore the roles of biology, botany, chemistry, and engineering in finding solutions for complex problems."

The biological sciences continue to play an increasing role in innovative solutions to technical challenges.

Research into alternative energy sources has included the development of algae to produce biodiesel fuel. Similarly, remediation of releases such as oil spills has been achieved using bacteria that consume oil as a food source. Also, pharmaceutical companies continue to investigate innate plant and animal properties for the creation of new drugs.

"Knowledge of the biological sciences has opened the door to innovative technical solutions," says Michael Mueller, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

"This new laboratory will offer our students-whether they are majoring in the biological sciences or any of the engineering disciplines-the plant materials and laboratory experiences that will ensure a hands-on education that is the hallmark of Rose-Hulman."

The laboratory will be constructed by Garmong Construction Services and fabricated by the Winandy Greenhouse Company, led by Hank Doherty (CE, '79). The lead structural engineer will be Michael Waldbieser (CE, '93). ■

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