Located on the fifth floor of the Science Building on the Richmond, Kentucky campus of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), the Chemistry and Forensic Science Instrumentation Lab serves as a hub for hands-on learning, research and professional development. The space houses a wide variety of advanced analytical instruments that provide students with valuable experience using the same technology found in professional laboratories.
The laboratory is a large, open space designed to centralize access to specialized instrumentation for both students and faculty. The lab is connected to several other laboratory spaces throughout the department, creating an integrated environment for teaching and research.
Students working in the lab have access to sophisticated equipment commonly used in chemistry and forensic science fields including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometers (FTIRs), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometers (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography systems (HPLC). These instruments allow students to develop practical skills that closely mirror the work performed in academic, industrial and forensic laboratories.
The Instrumentation Lab plays an important role in the department’s commitment to experiential learning. In many upper-level chemistry and forensic science courses, students gain direct experience operating instruments they are likely to encounter in graduate school or future careers. This hands-on training helps bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications.
Beyond coursework, the laboratory also supports faculty research projects. Students involved in research often work alongside faculty mentors to analyze samples, collect data, and operate complex instrumentation. These opportunities provide valuable technical training while helping students build confidence and experience that can distinguish them in graduate programs and the workforce.
The Chemistry and Forensic Science Instrumentation Lab serves as both a learning environment and a research resource, preparing students for success in scientific and forensic careers while supporting the department’s ongoing scholarly endeavor.