Known for cultivating a cooperative environment, the UW Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) is fostering face-to-face collaboration that is vital in the field of CBE. The Bluemke Family Bioengineering Research Laboratory — spacious enough for 45 researchers and flexible enough to allow for future growth and reconfiguration — is bringing together five research groups in a 6,000-square-foot open-concept lab. Duane ’55 and Dorothy Bluemke’s philanthropic support is rooted in their belief in the Wisconsin Idea.
“When the concept was explained to me, it was apparent there would be many advantages to a shared lab space,” says Duane, a long-time supporter of the department. “We decided it would be a very desirable project to support. Ultimately, we expect there will be great benefits between different research groups working together to achieve maximum results.”
