Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory houses state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities for the study of water and sediment quality, contaminants, and aquatic biota including fish, invertebrates, and algae. In addition to facilities in the Rubenstein Laboratory, faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students also work with faculty in other laboratories across the University of Vermont campus which expands research capabilities and facilitates cross-disciplinary research.
Adaptable Wet Laboratory
The Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory houses a 1300-ft2 adaptable wet laboratory for conducting experiments. Students and faculty use the space for experiments ranging from toxicology to animal behavior experiments. Flow-through water, water chillers, variable configurations of aquaria, an environmental room, and other amenities make this space extremely valuable for conducting laboratory experiments. A large viewing window looking into ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center provides additional opportunities for engaging the public in observations of science.
Teaching Laboratory
The Rubenstein Laboratory also is home to a state-of-the-art teaching laboratory featuring a digital projection system and teaching station, compound and dissecting microscopes, and other laboratory equipment capable of supporting a variety of educational programs. This space is also available to the UVM community for workshops or meetings. Contact Jason Stockwell at jason.stockwell@uvm.edu or 802-656-3009 for more information about booking this space.
Individual and Community Laboratories
Individual and community laboratories within the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory offer a wide range of capabilities and equipment. A partial list of these includes: microscope room with multiple compound and dissecting microscopes and associated image analysis systems; acid wash room; walk-in freezer and refrigerator space; -80˚C freezer; Shimadzu GC-8A gas chromatograph with FID detector and digital integrator; Shimadzu TOC analyzer equipped with a TN analyzer and auto-sampler; Lachat QuikChem FIA+ 8000 series2-channel auto-analyzer; Shimadzu UV-1601 single beam spectrophotometer equipped with a sample sipper; Loligo Systems 4-chamber respirometer and micro-respiorometer systems; SCUBA gear; Isomet saw for processing fish otoliths for age estimation; drying ovens; and other basic laboratory equipment.