The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion at Saint Vincent College is more than just a building. It's a symbol of the school's commitment to science education. I am particularly impressed by the facility's innovative design elements -- inspired by science and math themes -- alongside its multi-use labs where different sciences can cross-pollinate their methods, tools, and ideas toward a greater understanding of the physical world.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist

The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion

The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion is the home to The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing. This unique, 113,260 square foot pavilion supports the school in its effort to offer undergraduate and graduate students a rigorous, integrated curriculum grounded in the sciences and the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. The pavilion's first four buildings had renovation and new construction between 2010-2013 that comprised 102,000 square feet. In 2017 the James F. Will Engineering and Biomedical Sciences Hall added an additional 11,260 square feet of space to the pavilion. These principles create an environment for study characterized by mutual respect, personal attention and open dialogue. 

Inside the pavilion, to support the Boyer School, you will also find:

  • The Angelo Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit
  • The Dr. Frank J. Luparello Lecture Hall
  • The Digital Imaging Lab
  • The Ralph Liberatore Human Anatomy Lab

Outside the pavilion, and a short walk, you will find:

  • Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR)
Planetariumboyer-planetarium
Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit

Angelo J Taiani PlanetariumSaint Vincent College is proud to have the Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit in the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion where public planetarium shows are regularly scheduled. Shows are conducted by one of the members of the College’s Department of Physics – Dr. John Smetanka, Dr. Dan Vanden Berk or Br. Lawrence Machia, O.S.B.

All shows are free of charge. Because of limited seating we ask that reservations be made by calling the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Computing at 724-805-2631, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional public shows may be added based on demand. Private shows can also be scheduled for groups of 15 to 35 people. We especially welcome scout groups by appointments who wish to fulfill requirements for merit badges. Appointments can be arranged by calling the Boyer School.

View Photos from Solar Eclipse – Star Party, Aug. 21st

 

The Veil Nebula in Cygnus

the-veil-nebula-for-webThis color image was taken this summer with the 14-inch Schmitt-Cassegrain telescope at the Saint Vincent College Observatory. Narrow-band filters were used to highlight shocked Hydrogen (red) and Oxygen (blue) plasma.  The Veil Nebula is the remnant of a supernovae, the explosion of a massive star, several thousand years ago.  This is one example of the many astrophysical phenomena visualized and discussed in the Planetarium shows.


Planetarium Schedule

In light of the ongoing concerns surrounding the ever evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Vincent College has cancelled spring shows.


For reservations, please call 724-805-2631 or email tammy.marsh@stvincent.edu.
Luparello Lecture Hallboyer-luparello
Luparello Lecture Hall
The Dr. Frank J. Luparello Lecture Hall

 

The Dr. Frank Luparello Lecture Hall pays tribute to an outstanding teacher and physician, the late Dr. Frank Luparello, C'49. Dr. Luparello's illustrious medical career spanned more than 50 years, which all began with the Benedictine teachers he had as an undergraduate pre-med student at Saint Vincent.
Digital Imaging Labboyer-digital-imaging-lab
Digital Imaging Lab
A Centralized Facility for Digital Imaging, Analysis, and Quantitation

Digital Imaging LabThe Digital Imaging Lab (DIL) is supported by a National Science Foundation Course Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement Grant #0510230 and Saint Vincent College

The Digital Imaging Lab is utilized by faculty and students throughout the natural science curriculum for inquiry-based classroom and/or laboratory-based activities and for faculty and student research projects.

The DIL occupies rooms 207 and 208 in the biology building. Room 207 houses the Molecular Imager and Multidetection Microtiter Plate Reader, while room 208 houses the Microscopy Suite which is equipped with student and instructor stations for imaging with four types of microscopy.

Equipment

Microscopy Suite
The DIL facility consists of eight student microscopy stations, one instructor station, and a molecular imaging station, each with image acquisition and analysis capability. In all, there are thirteen microscopes, representing four types of optical microscopy (compound, inverted, stereo, and polarizing).

Student Stations
Each of the eight student stations are outfitted with modified Olympus CX41 upright microscopes with capacity for bright field, phase contrast, dark field, and three-color fluorescence microscopy. All eight microscopes are equipped with a dedicated 5 megapixel Olympus Q-color 5 cooled color digital camera connected to a PC loaded with four types of image analysis software.

Instructor Station
The instructor station contains two microscopes, a Olympus BX-51 research-grade upright microscope with bright field, dark field, fluorescence, and differential interference contrast (DIC) capabilities, and a Olympus IX51 research-grade inverted microscope with phase contrast and fluorescence functionalities for cell culture work. A PC-connected 12.1 megapixel Olympus DP70 megapixel cooled color camera resident at the station can be mounted to either scope.

Additional Microscopes
The facility also contains two Olympus SZX-9 student/research grade dissection microscopes that can be readily connected to any of the camera-PC combinations and one Olympus CX-31 Pol student-grade polarizing microscope with a 360° stage for examination of thin sections of minerals and amyloid bundles in prion-containing yeast cells and cultured neurons.

Projection
An Epson 3000 lumens wireless digital projector projects images from the various stages for group viewing.

Molecular Imager
A Fuji LAS-3000 molecular imager used to digitize and quantitatively analyze 1-D and 2-D protein gels, nucleic acid gels, and fluorescent or chemiluminescent protein or nucleic acid blots.

Microtiter Plate Reader
A Biotek Synergy HT multi-detection microtiter plate reader with capabilities for absorbance monitoring between 200-1000nm, fluorescence (top or bottom read), time-resolved fluorescence, luminescence, sample injection, incubation and shaking is used to quantify reactions or assays in 6-384 well plates.
Human Anatomy Labhuman-anatomy-lab
Liberatore-Human-Anatomy-Lab-sm
The Liberatore Human Anatomy Lab

The centerpiece of the James F. Will Hall is the Ralph H. Liberatore Human Anatomy Suite, an expansive, state-of -the-art laboratory space suitable for medical training sessions for physicians and surgeons. The laboratory is equipped with six surgical stations for anatomical research. In addition to supporting our growing programs in the health sciences, the lab will be available for use by physicians, health care agencies and medical device companies for surgical training sessions, continuing medical education and research. The facility features advanced audio and video capabilities, including a teaching station equipped with cameras and multiple monitors to enhance instruction. Support facilities for the human anatomy laboratory include a technologically-equipped conference room, a lab preparation space, a refrigerated storage area and spacious locker and changing rooms. We have the equipment and facilities to suit our clients’ diverse needs. 

 
WPNRwpnr-boyer
WPNR

The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve provide students with outdoor laboratories and places on campus to relax in a natural setting.
Laboratories & Equipment
Boyer School Labs

The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion is the home to The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing. This unique, 113,260-square-foot pavilion supports the school in its effort to offer undergraduate and graduate students a rigorous, integrated curriculum grounded in the sciences and the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. The pavilion's first four buildings underwent renovation and new construction between 2010-2013 that comprised 102,000 square feet. In 2017 the James F. Will Engineering and Biomedical Sciences Hall added an additional 11,260 square feet of space to the pavilion. The principles of Benedictine tradition create an environment for study characterized by mutual respect, personal attention and open dialogue.

  • Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium
    Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium
    S-101

    Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium is used for Astronomy Lab and monthly public shows. This space is equipped with a Spitz SciDome digital projector and 23-foot dome.

    A Gift of Angelo J. Taiani, C'48
  • Machine Shop
    machine shop
    machine shop
    S-104

    The Machine Shop is equipped with a 10” lathe, two small milling machines, drill presses and various other tools for small to medium machining operations for research and Capstone Projects.
  • Anatomy and Physiology Lab
    Anatomy and Physiology Lab
    S-119

    The Anatomy and Physiology Lab is equipped with exhaust funnels at student stations and movable stations for comparative anatomy dissections and active physiology experiments.

    A Gift of Ronald J. Lieb, DDS for Fr. Joel Lieb, O.S.B.
  • Digital Imaging Lab
    Digital Imaging Lab
    S-120

    The state-of-the-art microscope lab is equipped with eight student stations and one instructor station. Each student station includes a microscope that can perform light microscopy, fluorescent microscopy and dark microscopy connected to a computer. Several compound microscopes and one inverted microscopes are also included with the lab. Students use this lab beginning in General Biology 1 laboratory through the Senior Research Project in various courses.
  • Synthetic Chemistry Lab
    Synthetic Chemistry Lab
    S-205

    Used by senior research students in chemistry as well as for courses such as Advanced Chemical Methods, this lab is equipped with 3 Schlenk lines for airfree chemical syntheses as well as an Mbraun inert atmosphere glovebox, which allows our faculty and students to work in an atmosphere that facilitates their work with materials that are sensitive to water and oxygen. Again, most schools our size don’t have this type of equipment.  These will be found in industry or graduate research institutions. It allows a harder synthesis. It is like trying to make something that is sensitive to oxygen easier to work there. It uses an argon atmosphere to keep oxygen and moisture out.

    A grant from the George I.Alden Trust
  • Microbiology/Biochemistry Lab
    Microbiology Biochemistry Lab
    S-211

    The Microbiology/Biochemistry Lab is a cross-discipline laboratory is set up with both a chemical and a biology hood and gas at all stations for the teaching of Microbiology and Biochemistry courses.
  • Advanced Chemistry Lab
    Advanced Chemistry Lab
    S-212

    Used by senior research students in chemistry as well as for upperlevel chemistry courses such as Quantitative Analysis and Advanced Physical Method. The lab is equipped with a vacuum line and a Parr Bomb Calorimeter.
  • Cell & Molecular Biology Lab
    Cell and Molecular Biology Lab
    S-213

    The Cell & Molecular Biology Lab is used by sophomore-level Cell Biology and upper-level courses including Developmental Biology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology.

    A Gift of Fr. Edward Wenstrup, O.S.B.
  • Cell Culture Laboratory
    Cell Culture Lab
    S-215

    Equipped with multiple biological hoods and a double-door entry, this laboratory is used for cell culture for cell biology, molecular biology and biotechnology along with senior research in biology and biochemistry.

    A Gift of the Eden Hall Foundation
  • Organic Chemistry Lab
    Organic Chemistry Lab

    Organic Chemistry Lab
    S-222

    This lab is used for organic chemistry lab sequence.

    A Gift of Fr. Bertin Etling, O.S.B.
  • Physiology & Pharmacology Research Lab
    Physiology Pharmacology Research Lab
    N-103

    The Physiology & Pharmacology Research Lab is used by senior research students in biology especially in the areas of stress physiology and pharmacology.

    A Gift of the Allegheny Foundation
  • Ornithology & Organism Research Lab
    Ornithology and Organism Research
    N-105

    The Ornithology & Organism Research Lab is used by senior research students in biology, especially in the areas of ornithology and whole organism research.

    A Gift of the SV Preparatory School Alumni
  • Environmental Research Lab
    Environmental Research Lab
    N-107
    The Environmental Research Laboratory is used by students to undertake a variety of research projects.  It houses a range of equipment including:
    • Two Yellow Spring Instrument (YSI) Pro Plus multimeters for measuring pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature in aquatic systems to assess water quality
    • 10 YSI 600 sondes that can be deployed to measure pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature in aquatic systems to evaluate possible sources of water pollution
    • Two YSI 6600 sondes that can be deployed to measure turbidity, chlorophyll a, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature in aquatic systems to examine water quality
    • Hach test kits and colorimeters to measure key water and soil parameters including nutrients (nitrate and phosphate), metals (iron, aluminum, zinc, chromium), alkalinity and common ions such as sulfate.
  • Senior Research Lab and Life Science Research Facility
    Senior Research Lab
    N-150

    The lab is used by senior research students and faculty in biology, environmental science and psychology. It is part of the Life Sciences Research Facility which includes four animal holding rooms, a cage-washing room, two storage rooms and a procedure room. It is used by senior research students and faculty members for research projects meeting federal standards of animal care.

    A Gift of the SVC Class of 1960
  • Visiting Research Lab
    Visiting Research Lab

    N-161
    The Visiting Research Lab is available to be used by senior research students, a visiting instructor or faculty overflow projects.

    A Gift of the Jendeco Construction Corporation
  • Aquaculture Center
    Aquaculture Invertebrate Lab
    N-162

    The Aquaculture Center is equipped with breeding aquaria and equipment for zebrafish research.
  • Genetics, Cell and Developmental Research Lab
    Genetics Cell Development Research Lab

    N-202
    The Genetics, Cell and Developmental Research Lab is used by senior research students in biology, especially genetics and developmental biology. The lab is equipped with molecular biology equipment and shaking water baths.

    A Gift of Dr. & Mr. Ferdinand L. Soisson, Jr.
  • Biological Science Lab
    Biological Science Lab
    N-204

    This lab with movable student stations and above-bench electricity is used by non-majors science courses in environmental sciences and biology.
  • Palumbo Research Lab
    Palumbo Research Lab
    N-205

    Used by senior research students in biology and bioinformatics, this lab is split between a wet-lab space and a dry-lab space with computers.

    A Gift of the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust
  • General Biology Lab
    General Biology Lab
    N-206

    The General Biology Lab is used for General Biology 1 and 2 with movable student stations and above-bench electricity.

    A Gift of Fr. Owen Roth, O.S.B.
  • Biochemistry and Microbiology Research Lab
    Biochemistry-Research-Lab-sm
    N-214

    Used by senior research students in both biology and biochemistry, the lab is equipped with a both a chemical and a biological fume hood along with multiple gas jets for aseptic technique work. Multiple pieces of molecular equipment are present.

    A Gift of Charles and Shirley Varsel
  • Evelyn & Batista Madonia, Sr. Environmental Center and Greenhouse
    Batista Environmental Center Greenhouse

    Environmental Center and Greenhouse

    The greenhouse contains 454 square feet of plant shelving divided between two rooms. The climate of each room can be controlled individually using a computer interface that automatically adjusts roof shades, lighting, heat, air circulation, cooling fans and humidity via an advanced misting system. The greenhouse is used for growing plants for the Saint Vincent community along with classes in biology. In addition, senior research students from biology and environmental science utilize this space for botany and animal research.
  • General Physics Lab
    General Physics Lab
    E-109

    General-purpose laboratory used for General Physics, Introduction to Physics and other physics courses for non-science majors.

    Fr. Roland Heid, O.S.B. - Gift of Jim and Mary Ellen Will
  • Analytical & Physical Research Lab
    E202-sm
    E-202

    The Analytical & Physical Research Lab is used primarily for physical chemistry teaching and research.  It is equipped with a wide variety of light sources, lasers, spectrometers, oscilloscopes and other electronic devices to investigate physical chemistry phenomena.  Students have used this lab to study techniques such as photocatalysis and nanoparticle synthesis, which can be used to benefit environmental and biological systems.

    A Gift of the United States Steel Corporation
  • Instrument Lab
    Instrument-lab-sm
    E-206

    This facility houses the instrumention for the chemistry department and is used by our analytical chemistry courses. One of the things that we are proud to say is that we have a rich array of instruments and our students get to use them.  We have an array of instruments such as they would see in a graduate research lab or in an industrial lab. Our instruments may not be of the same size or have the precision that you might find in industry or in a graduate research institution but they operate under the same principles. Our students have hands-on training and experiences with them, and they can then go out and use them in industrial labs or in graduate research labs. One thing we are proud to say about the Instrument Laboratory and our chemistry program in general is that they are set up for students to learn to use the instruments and to learn how to troubleshoot them. This is in contrast or opposed to handing the solutions to a laboratory technician who will then run the sample and give the results back. This hands-on experience gives our students a leg up in having a variety of experiences with instruments. Among the instruments in this lab are the ion chromatograph (IC) and Gas Chromatography Mass spectrometer (GC Mass Spec). These are used to separate and identify components in a mixture.

    A Gift of the Kennametal Foundation
  • General Chemistry Lab
    General Chemistry Lab
    E-208

    This lab serves the General Chemistry Lab sequence exclusively.
  • Physical and Chemical Science Lab
    Physical and Chemical Science Lab
    E-217

    The Physical and Chemical Science Lab is used for nonmajors labs in chemistry, in areas such as:

    • Chemistry of Cooking
    • Chemistry of Crime
    • Chemistry of Art
    • Chemistry of Daily Life
  • Physics Research Lab
    Physics Research Lab
    W-103
    The lab is used by physics majors for research and capstone projects.
    A Gift of Joseph P. Rich
  • Electronics Lab
    Electronics Lab
    W-104

    The Electronics Lab has equipment for fabricating printed circuit board and soldering surface mount parts. In addition this lab contains several electronics design automation (EDA) stations, digital storage oscilloscopes and various other electronics equipment and parts inventory.
  • Physics Research Lab
    Physics Research Lab
    W-105

    The Physics Research Lab contains books and journals of all areas of physics and space for physics majors to work collectively or individually.

    A Gift of the Very Rev. Paul E. Turnbull
  • Modern Physics Lab
    Modern Physics Lab
    W-106

    Used for Modern Physics I, Optics and Advanced Lab, this lab offers various modern physics related experiments, including:

    • Franck-Hertz experiment (to verify the quantization of atomic orbitals)
    • Geiger counters
    • Sodium lamp (to study the split in the spectrum lines and its relation to the uncertainty principle)

    There is also holography equipment used to make holograms. The lab also contains various other optical equipment and a dark room.
  • Peterson Computer Workroom
    Peterson Computer Workroom
    W-210

    The Peterson Computer Workroom has both PCs and Macs and is used primarily for software projects and occasionally, for IT and Cybersecurity projects.

    A Gift of Lois E. Gallagher
  • General Computing Lab
    General Computing Lab
    WG-02

    The General Computing Lab houses 24 desktop computers loaded with various computer programs used by Boyer School majors plus 2 printers. 

    The following courses are taught in this lab: 

    • Engineering Graphics and Design
    • Biomedical Informatics
    • Intro to Geo Info Systems  

    The lab is also open to students for working on assignments and as study space.

    A Gift of the Class of 1968
  • Vittone Student and Faculty Research Lab
    Vittone-Research-Lab-sm
    JFW-102

    The Vittone Student and Faculty Research Lab is used by senior research students and faculty in engineering, integrated science and human anatomy.

    A Gift of the Dr. Ronald B. Vittone Family
  • Liberatore Human Anatomy Suite/Lab
    Liberatore Human Anatomy Lab

    JFW-103
    The Liberatore Human Anatomy Suite/Lab is used by undergraduate students for the study of human anatomy and physiology, facilitated by cadaveric dissection. This lab is also used by external clients for surgical training and demonstrations.

    A Gift of Ralph and Donna Liberatore
  • Vu-Nguyen Senior Projects Lab
    vu-nguyen-senior-projects-lab-sm
    JFW-107

    The Vu-Nguyen Senior Project Lab is used by senior research students in engineering, integrated science and human anatomy.

    A Gift of Thuy V. Vu and Dr. Vinh-Linh Nguyen
  • Engineering Design Lab
    Engineering Design Lab
    JFW-205

    This lab, used for Materials Laboratory, Engineering Design Laboratory and for special projects, is well-equipped with microscopes, hardness testers, a furnace, metallographic specimen prep tools and 3D printers for polymers.
  • Observatory
    Observatory-sm

    The Observatory is used for research and contains:

    • A Celestron EdgeHD 14-in telescope, with computer control
    • Imaging cameras and filters sets
    • A Spectroscope
  • Stephans Computer Modeling Lab
    Stephans Computer Modeling Lab
    JFW-207

    The Stephans Computer Modeling Lab houses 13 PC workstations used for data analysis and special projects.

    A Gift of Peter N. and Joan R. Stephans and the Rossin Foundation