Lavine Grant Upgrades Hofstra University Research Capabilities

HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK – Hofstra University's Biology Department will soon be conducting higher-level research thanks to a grant secured by Assemblymember Charles Lavine. The $500,000 capital grant enables the university to make critical upgrades to Gittleson Hall. A key element of the renovations will be upgrading lab ventilation systems to ensure the air is safe. There will also be electrical system upgrades to enable emergency backup power; plumbing upgrades; and installation of emergency showers and eyewash stations to meet safety code requirements. The work will elevate the lab's status from Biological Safety Level 1 (BSL-1) to BSL-2, which is necessary to safely conduct research involving biomedical agents and provide students with hands-on training aligned with current standards in biomedical and health-related fields.

Lavine said: "The importance of higher education, particularly the life sciences, has never been greater. It's with that in mind that it gives me great 'pride' to have secured this grant for Hofstra University to upgrade the lab ventilation systems in Gittleson Hall. We are so fortunate to have one of the leading institutions of higher learning right here in our own backyard and for it to be led by such an innovative leader in Dr. Poser."

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Hofstra University President Dr. Susan Poser said: "We are so grateful to Assemblymember Lavine for supporting scientific research at Hofstra University. By upgrading the infrastructure in our biology laboratories, this investment provides the opportunity for faculty to expand their research in biology, and for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in that research," said Hofstra President Susan Poser. "The value of these opportunities will reverberate out to New York's economy as Hofstra students step into careers in science, medicine, and other healthcare professions."

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Assemblymember Charles Lavine represents New York's 13th Assembly District in Nassau County. He presently serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Insurance and Rules. Lavine previously served as Chair of the Election Law Committee, Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Guidance, co-Chair of the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission, and as Chair of the bipartisan Task Force that produced the Assembly Speaker's Policy on Sexual Harassment, Retaliation and Discrimination.