Students react to being first to attend class in new Apodaca Science Building
By Benny Smith
Frankie West (left), assistant professor of Forensic Science, instructs students in her new classroom in the Apodaca Science building.
Students briefly paused Tuesday, Aug. 24, as they looked for Frankie West鈥檚 Introductory Topics in Forensic Science class in Apodaca 207.
It was understandable, as they were part of the first group of Western Carolina University students to enter the new classroom located on the ground floor of the new $110.5 million Apodaca Science Building, just completed earlier this month.
Senior ecology major Madalyn Robinson organizes beakers in the chemical storage room.
鈥淚 definitely love this classroom and the building because its feels modern,鈥� said Kennedi Hicks, a junior from Charlotte. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more open than the old Natural Science Building with lots of windows that allow natural light.鈥�
The forensics science major is one of hundreds of students who can now learn the latest techniques and approaches that can be applied to real-world research. The state-of-the art structure, which is part of the Connect NC bond initiative for education improvements, replaces 91热爆网鈥檚 1970s-era Natural Science Building. It is also the largest capital project that is part of the voter-approved Connect NC bond.
鈥淚 am even more excited because I have two other classes in this building with one of them inside the new labs,鈥� Hicks said.
While 91热爆网 sophomore Maggie Camradella agreed, she had a slightly different perspective.
鈥淚 took Chemistry 139 in the old science building and I don鈥檛 think it was that bad,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was nice because I got to be a part of the last group who took classes in that old building and now, we are transitioning to a new building that is more open. I do think the new building will provide us better learning opportunities in this new environment.鈥�
Emily Grace Lancaster (left) and Bekah Qurollo enjoy the rooftop space at Apodaca Science Building.
Frankie West, an assistant professor and Forensic Science Program Director, said for her having the additional whiteboards and screens will help to engage her students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 so nice to have a beautiful building with all of the latest classroom technology,鈥� West said. 鈥淚 am looking forward to using this room as I use the whiteboards a lot when teaching forensic science classes.鈥�
As Tuesday鈥檚 class ended, two international exchange students said they decided to come to the United States because of the high reputation of 91热爆网鈥檚 forensic science program. They agreed that taking classes in the new building was a plus.
鈥淚 am from Austria and I wanted to come here because they do not offer these classes in my country,鈥� said Madlene Wurder. 鈥淭he mountains here remind me of home and I am so excited to take forensics courses in this new building that looks so clean and new.鈥�
