In a grand opening December 2, Tennessee Tech University unveiled its new Poultry Science Research Center for its College of Agriculture and Human Ecology. In thanks to the university’s partnership with Aviagen, the center’s lab was officially named the Aviagen Poultry Science Laboratory.
“We believe strongly in partnerships at Tennessee Tech because we believe we are all better together,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “The students are going to have an opportunity to enjoy this facility and then go off into their jobs and make a big difference – that’s what this is all about.”
Alongside assistant professor of poultry science, Victoria Ayres, students will participate in research on poultry health and nutrition, food safety, and disease prevention. The center includes:
- two 30-foot-by-200-foot poultry research barns,
- a feed mill,
- a processing plant,
- a commercial kitchen,
- a hatchery
- and a classroom.
“Two words drive everything we do at Tennessee Tech: students first,” said Kevin Braswell, vice president of university advancement. “Through this center and the Aviagen Poultry Science Laboratory, our students will be able to do a few key things: gain hands-on experience, apply current industry practices and also gain a better understanding of the scientific process and be leaders in that process.”
The center will be operational for classes starting spring semester 2023.
“A top priority for Aviagen is to encourage and prepare such students for a career in the poultry industry,” said Marc de Beer, president of Aviagen North America. “They are our future, and poultry is where they can truly make a difference in helping to feed the people of today and future generations with nutritious, affordable and sustainable chicken meat.”
Along with Aviagen, Tennessee Tech received support from the Drive to 55 Project Capacity Fund Grant, Tennessee Poultry Association and the Tennessee Board of Regents
