“Spill SOP for definition” might sound like a secret code. Actually it’s a reality here at the Lash Miller Laboratories. Welcome to the University of Toronto’s Chemistry Department. It’s housed in the Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories. This is where groundbreaking research meets cutting-edge facilities.
Established in 1859 the Department of Chemistry takes pride in teaching excellence. It also fosters the development of distinguished scientists. The Lash Miller Laboratories are located on the southwest corner of Willcocks Street and St. George Street. They house undergraduate lecture rooms and labs. You’ll also find graduate research offices and labs here.
In 1843 Henry Croft arrived from England. He became the first Professor of Chemistry at U of T. The Chemical Laboratory was in the west end of the provincial legislative buildings. This location was on Front Street. It was between Simcoe and John Streets.
Then in 1859 University College opened. It included the “Croft Chapter House”. This became the site of the Chemical Laboratory. By 1878 the chemical offices moved again. They went to the newly constructed SPS building. It was on King’s College Circle.
Lash Miller himself earned his second Ph.D. in 1892. He studied with Ostwald in Leipzig. He was also a Demonstrator at U of T. That began in 1891.
The Chemistry Department moved to the Lash Miller Laboratories in 1963. D. J. LeRoy was the first Chairman of the department at that time. The Davenport Chemical Research Building was completed in 2000. Various research groups then moved in.
The Lash Miller building is L-shaped. It features a six-storey wing along Willcocks Street. It steps down to a one-storey wing along St. George Street. An expansion added nearly 3000 sq. m over three storeys. This expansion sits within the existing footprint. It’s at the northeast corner of the building. That’s generally at the corner of St. George and Willcocks Streets.
The renovated Lash Miller Laboratories became home to new laboratories. It also gained associated faculty and administrative space. Classrooms were added as well. The project houses an important research initiative: the Acceleration Consortium.
Today the Department of Chemistry has 50 faculty members. There are also 30 staff. And over 350 graduate and postdoctoral students. Research areas include Analytical Chemistry. Biological and Organic Chemistry are studied here. Chemical Physics also has a place. Environmental Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry feature prominently. Physical Chemistry is a key area. Polymer and Material Chemistry round out the offerings.
The Lash Miller Laboratories also offer a wide variety of services. There’s the A.D. Allen Chemistry Library. The ANALEST Facility provides key resources. CSICOMP NMR Facility is available for research. AIMS Mass Spectrometry Facility serves the department. The Cell Culture Facility is vital for biological studies. Chemistry IT Services keeps everything running smoothly. You can find supplies at ChemStore. The CNI Facility supports nanoscale research. The Machine Shop builds and repairs equipment. Finally the X-ray Crystallography Facility determines molecular structures.
For emergencies, remember to call 911 first. Then contact Campus Safety. Their number is 416-978-2222. For major spills evacuate the area. Then call Environmental Protection Services at 416.978.7000. After hours call the Campus Emergency Control Centre at 416.978.2222.
So, as you stand here at the Lash Miller Laboratories remember the history. Think about the research and imagine the future discoveries.