When the Science Center was built in the early 70's,
a rooftop greenhouse was included in the building plan. Because of
a shortage of funds, the greenhouse was never finished; only the foundation
was built. Dr. Paul Tefft needed to grow soybean plants to carry
out his research, and he built a wood-fiberglass geodesic dome-type greenhouse
on the roof in 1984. The design came from Popular Mechanics, and
Dr. Tefft did all the work on the dome himself. This structure could
only be used during part of the year, because there was no way to heat
or cool it. Several years later, Dr. Tefft got NSF funding for environmentally
controlled plant growth chambers. The dome was still used to grow
some plants, and as a winter home for some of Dr. McRobert's turtles, until
1995 (see picture).
In 1996, a glass-aluminum
greenhouse, with automatic heating and ventilation, was finally built
on the Science Center roof. It was designed and built by Ludy
Greenhouses from New Madison Ohio. Dr. Karen Snetselaar, who
teaches courses in plant biology, is the main user of the plants grown
in the greenhouse. However, it is also used by other members of the
Biology department for teaching and research, and there is potential for
wider use by other members of the University Community.
Getting this greenhouse designed, funded, and built
was a major endeavor, and many people contributed in various ways.
We are particularly grateful to the following people for their help:
Dr. Vincent McCarthy, Provost at the time that the greenhouse was built,
provided funds and other support
Dr. John Tudor, head of the Biology department, also helped with fundraising
and logistics.
Dr. Paul Tefft, also of the Biology department, helped with logistics.
Dr. Michael McCann, Biology, helped with decision-making, dealing with
permit problems, midnight drives for emergency heaters, and a host of other
things.
Al Sgro, of Sgro Plumbing, went beyond the call of duty to help get
the greenhouse built.
SJU Facilities Management helped with constuction decisions.