Experiment a little! New labs, more students

Chances are if you're just starting college and interested in science your first real exposure to a "brainiac" in a white coat was Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Now if you're still interested in the differences between acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen, dream of being a scientist, an engineer or a career in allied health, studying science is a no brainer.

People are beginning to understand how chemistry applies to everything around them," said Yavapai College chemistry instructor Gino Romeo Jr., PhD. "Whether you want to talk about molecular structure, nuclear power or body PH, chemistry impacts our lives."

Providing ample facilities for student dialogue, collaboration and real research is crucial for student success in the sciences and their ability to engage in such a dialogue. "Instruction is all about communication and the new labs are student friendly with easier access to equipment and presentation tools," said biology instructor Jon Freriks. "We’re also able to accommodate more students comfortably and the size of the new labs makes it easier for students to concentrate."

And now that there's more room for discussion, some conversations may have more of an impact than most people even acknowledge.

"If you don't understand the language in which people are discussing global warming or all the other issues, you cannot have a democracy," said Dr. Leon Lederman, a particle physicist and Nobel laureate in an interview with the New York Times discussing the current landscape of science education.

Providing proper equipment, and 75 percent more additional space for experimentation and communication makes the new labs on the Verde Valley campus worth several hours of commute time for nursing student Maggie Rodriguez.

With these new labs we can simulate working with real patients," said Rodriquez who commutes from Anthem to Clarkdale several times a week to work with life-like mannequins, which enhance the learning process. "When you start working in a hospital setting this kind of experience really helps to lessen the 'fear factor' when relating to patients."

The additional chemistry, biology and nursing lab facilities are also laying the groundwork for synergistic partnerships between the college and private allied health organizations – a benefit that translates to jobs and better services for the area's growing senior population.

"We have a strong relationship with Verde Valley Medical Center," said Executive Dean Tom Schumacher. "It's a relationship that already provides internship opportunities in medical transcription and soon we’re going to be offering a degree in pharmacology. New facilities not only provide the best in science education but also new opportunities for students seeking employment in allied health."

Maybe science isn't just for "brainiacs" anymore.