Lakeland College put student experience at the forefront of newly renovated environmental sciences and agricultural sciences lab spaces.

The four enhanced labs in Academic Link at the Vermilion campus opened at the beginning of the winter 2020 semester and will be used by hundreds of students throughout the academic year. They feature specialized equipment required in the study of soils, plants, aquatic organisms and chemistry. The renovation also included improved ventilation, updated lighting, new furniture and technology. As a result of the upgrades, the labs have a more effective and comfortable layout for students to excel.

“Lakeland College is dedicated to investing in its students by ensuring they have access to modern lab spaces in which to conduct experiments and develop the foundational skills to be successful in this industry,” says Mal Dissanayake, dean of the School of Environmental Sciences. “I'm so pleased with how the labs have been redesigned to ensure that our students can continue to conduct experiential-learning activities in a multi-functional environment designed for their comfort and safety.”

The labs are used by students in the environmental sciences and agricultural sciences programs. Environmental sciences students conduct many different lab activities in the redesigned lab spaces, including wetland classification, water conservation, wildlife biology and more, in addition to field work. Agricultural sciences students, including those in the crop technology and animal science technology programs, use the labs for soil and plant labs, among others.

“The student experience in the new lab spaces is totally different,” says Kyle Kipps, a Lakeland agricultural sciences instructor. “They are big, bright and airy and that energizes the students. In the soils lab, it's easier for the students to look at examples and see the things we are trying to teach them. The monolith display cabinets are really well done and allow students to look at all kinds of different soil profiles from all across Canada.”

Lakeland's School of Environmental Sciences offers the bachelor of applied science: environmental management degree as well as an environmental sciences diploma, which offers majors in conservation and restoration ecology, environmental conservation and reclamation, water conservation and management, and wildlife and fisheries conservation. In addition to classroom and lab work, students experience hands-on learning in the field.

Students in the School of Agricultural Sciences can complete the following diploma programs: crop technology, agribusiness, animal health technology and animal science technology, which includes a beef, dairy, equine and livestock major. Students can also take the veterinary medical assistant or general agriculture certificate programs.