Gift from The Nelson Foundation will support Food Science Lab Renovation at Iowa State University

A gift from The Nelson Foundation will make possible the renovation of the Food Science teaching laboratory at Iowa State University.
The Nelson Foundation’s support will transform a 1,950-square-foot teaching laboratory into a modern facility with up-to-date equipment and space to enhance the student learning experience in food chemistry and food microbiology courses. 
“We are grateful to The Nelson Foundation for this generous donation,” said Ruth MacDonald, chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. “It’s a significant step forward in a goal to renovate our department’s teaching labs. We've had a great working relationship with Nelson family and Kemin Industries for many years. With the company’s support, the renovated teaching laboratory will help us accommodate a growing number of undergraduate students interested in pursuing food science and culinary food science majors. The project will positively impact the quality of our teaching for decades to come.”
The Nelson Foundation and Kemin Industries consider the food science project a perfect fit. Iowa State University, Mary Nelson’s alma mater, has food chemistry and microbiology programs that provide students with their first opportunity to learn about food safety. The focus on food safety and scientific testing is key to the type of work that is done at Kemin Industries.
The laboratory renovation in the Food Sciences Building will begin later this year with completion in 2016.