Project Overview
The new Biological Sciences building will be located in the heart of campus, nestled in the science quad adjacent to the Mills-Godwin building, the Webb Center and the Oceanography and Physical Sciences building. Contractors will demolish the Alfriend Chemistry Building, the Pretlow Planetarium, and the Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory to build the new five-story facility that will house the Department of Biological Sciences, the new Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, and state-of-the-art classrooms teaching labs, research labs and the College of Sciences Dean’s Office Suite. The site is located adjacent to and will engage with an existing stormwater pond as a focus of integrating the building and site creating a teaching landscape. With this transformative building, ODU students, faculty, and those in the community will be able to experience science on an immersive level.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
VMDO and ODU project managers gather for a photo. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
VIP guests, Board of Visitors, and ODU student rep attend event. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Tatyana Lobova, Lauren Moses, Dean Gail Dodge, Chair & Professor Holly Gaff gather for a photo. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Master Lecturer Biology Tatyana Lobova speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Board of Visitors Member Ross A. Mugler in attendance. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
President Brian Hemphill addresses the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
President Hemphill, Provost, Dean Gail Dodge, and Norfolk City Council members break ground. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Biomedical sciences student, Lauren Moses speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Interim Provost Brian Payne addresses the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
College of Sciences Dean Gail Dodge speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Department of Biological Sciences Chair and Professor Holly Gaff addresses the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Cathy Lewis Emcee speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Norfolk Councilman Carlos Clanton in attendance. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
College of Sciences Advisors in attendance. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
VMDO and ODU project managers gather for a photo. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
VIP guests, Board of Visitors, and ODU student rep attend event. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Tatyana Lobova, Lauren Moses, Dean Gail Dodge, Chair & Professor Holly Gaff gather for a photo. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Master Lecturer Biology Tatyana Lobova speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Board of Visitors Member Ross A. Mugler in attendance. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
President Brian Hemphill addresses the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
President Hemphill, Provost, Dean Gail Dodge, and Norfolk City Council members break ground. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Biomedical sciences student, Lauren Moses speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Interim Provost Brian Payne addresses the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
College of Sciences Dean Gail Dodge speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Department of Biological Sciences Chair and Professor Holly Gaff addresses the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Cathy Lewis Emcee speaks to the crowd. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Norfolk Councilman Carlos Clanton in attendance. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
College of Sciences Advisors in attendance. Image by Chuck Thomas/ODU
Message from the Interim Dean
The new Biological Sciences Building represents far more than a new facility. It is an investment in the future of scientific discovery, student success, and interdisciplinary collaboration at Old Dominion University. As we continue to build on the College of Sciences’ tradition of excellence, this state-of-the-art space will empower our students and faculty to pursue innovative research, engage in transformative learning experiences, and address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Designed to foster collaboration, the building will bring together modern teaching laboratories, advanced research spaces, and shared areas that encourage the exchange of ideas across disciplines. Its close connection to the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Center strengthens opportunities for partnerships that advance research, improve health outcomes, and prepare the next generation of scientific leaders.
This facility is more than a place to learn. It is where curiosity becomes discovery, where students gain the hands-on experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers, and where faculty continue to push the boundaries of knowledge. Together, we are creating an environment that reflects the innovation, resilience, and excellence that define the College of Sciences.
I am grateful to the alumni, donors, friends, and partners whose support is helping make this vision a reality. Your investment in our students and programs ensures that future generations of Monarch scientists have the resources they need to make a lasting impact on our communities and our world.
Marisol Perez, Ph.D.
Message From the Department Chair
I am thrilled to share with you the exciting news that we are about to start the process of building a new Biological Sciences building! The new facility has been designed with the needs of our students, faculty, and staff in mind.
It features state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and cutting-edge laboratories that will greatly enhance our teaching and research capabilities. We will also have a natural history museum, research greenhouse space, and a core facility for share equipment. This building will not only provide a modern and inspiring environment but also foster a sense of community and collaboration among us all.
The focus on research capabilities will reshape dynamic and immersive learning spaces and overall experiences for everyone who will use this facility. This new facility is a turning point for ODU, and we are beyond excited to see it come to reality.
Holly Gaff, Ph.D.
Professor & Chair, Biological Sciences
Project Manager Officer
Major Gifts Officer
Project Communications Contact