AFRL reopens Building 435 after extensive renovation transforms 1950s-era lab into state-of-the-art facility

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – A newly renovated Air Force Research Laboratory facility, Building 435, now enables scientists and engineers from a variety of multidisciplinary fields to access the same equipment and infrastructure for biotechnology and organic synthesis work. The existing structure, originally designed in 1954, was completely gutted and rebuilt to provide new laboratories and create an environment that fosters joint research and development efforts.

“Creating collaborative spaces allows employees to increase productivity and propel the next-generation of aerospace vehicles and technologies,” said Dr. Michael Gregg, the director of AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate. “Completed in April 2021, this large-scale renovation highlights AFRL’s dedication to continuous improvement of facilities and capabilities, which are key to produce cutting-edge technologies for warfighters.”

Dr. Erik Weber, AFRL fuels and energy branch chief, is excited to see researchers from across the enterprise use the new equipment.

“Renovation projects, like this one, are critical since they provide cutting-edge R&D capabilities that meet and exceed the requirements of 21st century research,” he said. “These types of efforts especially make an impact in key technology areas like genomics, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology which ultimately enable fuels that propel the next-generation of aerospace vehicles and technologies.”

Loryn Bowen, a research biologist, conducts research in AFRL’s newly renovated laboratory for biotechnology and organic synthesis research. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Bergeron)

Thusitha Gunasekera, a research biologist, in AFRL’s newly renovated laboratory for biotechnology and organic synthesis research. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Bergeron)