Atwood Chemistry Center
An ode to the principles of collaboration and transparency in the sciences, the Atwood Chemistry Center is a visually stunning, five-level facility complete with laboratories, administrative suites, teaching labs, and a classroom for students of all academic disciplines to enjoy. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the building underwent a massive renovation and expansion in 2015, with a highlight being the four-story atrium that offers a natural skylight and views into the organic and inorganic teaching laboratories. The top story of the building is home to some of Emory’s most prominent chemistry laboratories, and the exterior courtyard contains a stage where professors can present exciting chemistry demonstrations.
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Research at Emory
Dennis Liotta and Emtriva
Atwood 260
⭐ Research at Emory
The top floor of Atwood Chemistry Center is home to many of Emory’s chemistry laboratories, but world-renowned research across all academic disciplines takes place every day around the university. In fact, 55% of Emory undergraduates conduct research with a faculty member while here, with many others conducting research at nearby locations such as the National Primate Research Center or Winship Cancer Center. There are also a variety of programs in place to sponsor student research, including Undergraduate Research Programs (URP) and the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). Students can elect to begin their journey into undergraduate research as early as their first year on campus and are encouraged to develop research projects they are passionate about with the guidance of faculty mentors.
⭐ Dennis Liotta and Emtriva
One of Emory University’s most notable examples of chemistry research comes from the Liotta Lab, spearheaded by Dennis Liotta, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and in the School of Medicine. In the 1990s, Liotta and his team of researchers at Emory created the breakthrough drug Emtriva, an HIV antiretroviral drug that is now used in more than 90% of HIV drug therapies across the globe. This revolutionary treatment was created with the help of undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and Liotta’s story is just one that demonstrates how students at Emory can participate in world-renowned research.
⭐ Atwood 260
The primary classroom of the building, room 260 is located at the heart of Atwood Chemistry Center and exemplifies the importance of collaboration in the sciences. The room is home to 11 circular dry-erase tables, and students often use markers during class to actively work on problems at their tables. There are five projectors in the classroom and a fume hood in the corner equipped with a camera to capture any demonstration the professor wants to show to a class. Atwood 260 is perfectly encapsulates the collaboration and transparency all academic departments at Emory offer their students.
