New lab building to boost LSU AgCenter research capacity

A new two-story, 48,000-square-foot Animal and Food Sciences Laboratory Building on the LSU campus will boost the university’s research capacity and provide state-of-the-art facilities for the AgCenter’s School of Animal Sciences and departments of Veterinary Science and Food Science, LSU says. “This building was a long time coming,” says AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson, who was on hand for the building’s groundbreaking Tuesday, alongside Gov. Bobby Jindal. “These new laboratories will properly position our programs to address 21st century needs and issues.” The new lab—expected to be complete in summer 2013—will allow researchers from the three departments to come together in a centralized facility. Where research overlaps, the scientists will have shared space to work together. The laboratories will also enhance the AgCenter’s ability to support value-added products, says Department of Food Science head John Finley. “We will be able to leverage our culinary reputation with better, innovative products that can add value to raw products, particularly Louisiana seafood,” he says. When completed, the total cost of the building and equipment will be more than $20 million. Funding was provided as a direct allocation by the state Legislature and has been in process for more than 10 years. Read more about the new lab building on the AgCenter’s website here.