• The University of North Florida (UNF) recently unveiled an addition and renovation project aimed at improving teaching and research facilities within the college’s chemistry department 
• UNF also announced a partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, to provide new equipment for chemistry and biochemistry students 
• UNF recently added a biochemistry degree path, further expanding the scope of the chemistry department 
• UNF on Monday was ranked among the best national universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 edition of “Best Colleges” for the fourth consecutive year

The University of North Florida (UNF) this week debuted an addition and renovation project to improve teaching and research centers, also announcing a new partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision. The partnership will provide new equipment and support for undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry students.

The new additions and upgrades total roughly 20,000 square feet and include six new research laboratories, three new teaching labs, a computer lab, a classroom, student study rooms, a locker room, and other amenities.

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson Vision has contributed to the purchase of a new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer as well as increased funding for the undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry summer research programs.

UNF chemistry students and faculty mentors are conducting research utilizing the new facilities as part of the Johnson & Johnson Vision Summer Undergraduate Research Program. These research projects include the development of anti-cancer drugs and environmental pollution removal processes.

The university’s chemistry department launched its new biochemistry degree path this semester, further expanding the program. The university describes the degree as gaining an understanding of fundamental biochemical principles and techniques through the emphasis on biology and biochemistry courses.

Upon completion, UNF claims that students will be better prepared to pursue STEM careers that do not fall within the traditional confines of chemistry or biology degree programs.

UNF on Monday was ranked among the best national universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 edition of “Best Colleges” for the fourth consecutive year.

UNF is ranked as a top public school, a top performer in social mobility, and was recognized for its undergraduate engineering, business, computer science, and nursing programs.

“I am excited to see UNF recognized among the best of the best collegiate institutions in the country,” said UNF President Moez Limayem. “Our faculty and staff work diligently to provide top-tier education and experiences for our students and these recognitions for the University can directly be attributed to their efforts. Together, we will continue to work hard to improve our rankings even further in the future.”