Human Evolution Lab coming to NU

​Nipissing University is set to begin construction on a new state-of-the-art Human Evolution Lab. 

Dr. Steven Arnocky, associate professor of psychology, and his team will utilize the lab to help clarify the complex interplay between personality, immune function, hormones, and social context and how such factors interact to predict mating patterns and behaviour, as well as competition,  intimate partner violence and sexual violence.

Construction on the 1,500 square foot lab is expected to begin May 14 and be completed by September. It will be located in room A222.

The project is funded by a $130,693 grant from Canada Foundation for Innovation and a $130,693 grant from the provincial Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science. Nipissing University will fund the remainder of the costs for the new lab, expected to be roughly $58,000. With the grant money, the university will also purchase new lab equipment for hormonal and immunological investigations.

The lab will include a biological sampling room, a containment Level-2 wet lab, testing rooms, office space, a work area for graduate students and a conference room.  

“The new Human Evolution Laboratory will be a leader in the field of human evolutionary biology and psychology, allowing us to test core hypotheses about how evolution has shaped human physiology, psychology, and behaviour” said Dr. Arnocky.  “This is the first fully equipped CL-2 wet lab on campus, which means it will allow us to collect and process human blood samples conveniently and safely in one area. The space will also allow us to test multiple participants at once, which will drastically increase our efficiency given that my research typically deals with large sample sizes. The space will facilitate the training of highly qualified personnel, including lab management and technicians, graduate, and undergraduate students.”