BROWNWOOD – April 11, 2024 – Renovations were recently completed for a microbiology lab in Howard Payne University’s Winebrenner Memorial Hall of Science, thanks to generous funding from HPU supporters. The updated space facilitates labs for students majoring in fields such as biology, biomedical science, nursing and life science education. It will also house summer workshops for K-12 students.
“It is now a state-of-the-art space that will better support the student experience in our classes each day,” shared Dr. Kristen Hutchins, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics. “Our students and our biology faculty will enjoy this renovated learning space for many years to come.”
Winebrenner Hall was built in 1962 and named in memory of longtime faculty member Dr. O.E. Winebrenner. The biology labs have hosted countless experiments, lectures and research projects through the years. The updates to the microbiology lab, which is a space designated for investigating biological samples at the microscopic level, are the most recent in a series of lab and classroom renovations made within the facility in the last several years.
Dr. Dale Meinecke, HPU’s vice president for advancement, expressed the university’s gratitude to supporters of the renovation project.
“We extend our appreciation to Waldrop Construction Co., the Central Texas J.R. Beadel Foundation, Inc., and several other alumni supporters and friends who gave generously to make this renovation possible,” Dr. Meinecke said. “In total, nearly $170,000 was given in support of this project.”
Dr. Chelsea Miranda, assistant professor of biology and one of the microbiology course instructors, said the benefits of the upgrades will extend beyond the classroom, furthering student-driven research and opening avenues for them to learn about additional career opportunities.
“This will provide the opportunity for a deeper learning experience,” said Dr. Miranda. “I am grateful to have this impressive resource available for teaching purposes and know my students are excited to use it.”
For more information about HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, please visit www.hputx.edu/scienceandmath.
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Photo #1: HPU recently completed renovations to its microbiology lab.
Photo #2: HPU student Briana Carter works in the newly renovated microbiology lab.