Geochemistry Laboratory Building Project
With the support and vision of our benefactor, Gary C. Comer and the Comer Science and Education Foundation, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory will construct a new state-of-the-art geochemistry research building.
Ribbon cutting ceremony held November 30, 2007.
- LIVE Image (7am-4pm):
Web Cam - Size:
More than 60,000 sq. ft. More than 70 offices and nearly 30 laboratories for scientists, students and support staff - Groundbreaking:
September 2006 - Ribbon-cutting:
November 30, 2007 - Architect:
Payette Associates, Inc.
Martin Stute, adjunct research scientist at Lamont-Doherty and associate professor at Barnard College, operates a mass spectrometer like those that will soon occupy the Observatory’s new geochemistry research building.
It is one of the largest donations to Lamont-Doherty, and one that will help the Observatory’s world-class scientific community build on its proud tradition of addressing many of the most pressing questions about the Earth and its environment. The new building will replace the existing geochemistry facility, which is unable to house the entire division and is no longer adequate to support scientific research at the highest level.
Final site selection and building design will take into consideration the aesthetics of the scenic location as well as the rural nature of the campus and surrounding community. The building will also incorporate standards outlined by the Labs21 Approach, a voluntary program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of laboratories.
“I am proud to be a part of this project,” said Gary Comer. “This new facility will support great scientific research in the exploration of some of the crucial questions of the day, ranging from the formation of the Earth itself to the future of our climate. The research that will take place in this new facility will lay the groundwork for even greater understanding of how we live on and with this planet.”
Since discovering an interest in the science of climate change, Gary Comer has accompanied geochemists from Lamont-Doherty and other institutions into the field many times.
In addition to the wonderful lead gift pledged by the Comer Science & Education Foundation, Columbia Trustee H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest has pledged $2 million toward the Laboratory building's construction.
If you would like information about how to support the Laboratory Building project, please contact Director of Development Sarah Huard at 845.365.8599 or huard@ldeo.columbia.edu. For all other inquiries concerning the new building, please click here.