Vopal and Deanna Schmitt, associate professor of biology, next teamed up to apply for and receive a $250,000 grant through the WVIDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE) program.

That effort paid off and the ribbon cutting for the new Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research took place on Wednesday. The enhanced facility is located on the third floor of Arnett Hall.

Schmitt and Vopal said the new lab is now double the space of the former lab which was about 1,200 square feet.

Five faculty members and about 40 students will be using the facility, which has an adjoining classroom.

“This means we will all be able to collaborate in the same space which is nice,” Vopal said. “Before, we were just sharing resources and traveling between different facilities. Now we are able to work in the same space.

“Students are able to work together on projects and share equipment pieces. They are also able to have the guidance of other faculty and researchers, as well.”

Schmitt added the biology department had wanted to expand its research programs, but were limited by the space they had in which to do the work.

“On the bio-med side, we have greater than 95% acceptance among our students who get into professional schools like medical schools and dental schools,” she said. “A lot of their ability to get into those schools is engaging in research.

“This space – we hope that is going to be a further sell for this program. To bring in those great professional students, and expand that program as well.”

Vopal added the space will allow the biology department to encourage its undergraduates into the masters program and for faculty to continue their research.

“That could lead to more funding which could lead to more infrastructure that we need,” she said.

Also providing remarks prior to the ribbon cutting were West Liberty University President Timothy Borchers, Dean of the WLU College of Sciences Karen Kettler, Provost Cathy Monteroso, former WV-INBRE principal investigator Gary Rankin and current WV-INBRE principal investigator Trupti Joshi.

Faculty at the Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research have collectively brought to the school more than $1.6 million in active research grants. In addition to Schmitt and Vopal, other faculty researchers are Joe Horzempa, Stuart Cantlay and Nicole Garrison.