Whitney Laboratory is expanding to a new technologically advanced teaching, research and conservation facility. This new Marine Research Institute Building and the Nancy Condron Family Sea Turtle Research Center and Hospital will bring high-technology to the shores of UF Whitney Laboratory’s valuable environmental location.
After a competitive bidding process, architecture firms Lord Aeck Sargent (Atlanta)/ TTV Architects (Jacksonville) were hired and we have worked closely with their team on initial building designs. Construction is slated to begin in fall 2022 with our selected construction firm DPR (Jacksonville).
Educational entryway, impactful displays of current Whitney research, sea turtle education and conservation displays for public education
Collaborative multidisciplinary research hub for faculty focused on the senses and biomechanics of movement, including advanced optical imaging unit suite and flow tank visualization areas
Using marine genomics and modern neuroscience research aims, this hub combines expert faculty research labs to study neural pathways and development
Cutting edge identification of new compounds for medicine from terrestrial and marine environments, translational research with linkage to pharmaceutical development
Space for care of sick and injured sea turtles, including examination table, x-ray connection and surgical suite, including online medical charting area, pharmaceutical storage and turtle care supplies
Sea water tank homes for sea turtle patients with some public access and life support and heating systems to support 6-8 tanks educational interface with patient stories
Office space and lockers for students, staff and volunteers helping sea turtles survive, storage for outreach materials and displays
Exterior Matanzas basin courtyard for educational gatherings, instruction and research site collaboration
Reboot of the iconic Whitney fish pond with educational displays and seating
Palm Coast Observer Article by Brent Foster
Your support is graciously requested to help us create and build the Marine Research Institute Building. We look forward to ways we can join together to build the training, research and conservation institute of the future.