Los Angeles, CA – Cal State LA and LECO Corporation, a laboratory equipment company, recently joined forces to launch the LECO Complex Chemical Compositional Analysis Lab.

The new lab, located in the renovated laboratory space of Rosser Hall on the Cal State LA campus, will serve as a hub for students, institutional colleagues and industrial partners to study complex chemical samples.

The lab is a collaborative educational and research environment, pivotal in educating and training both undergraduate and graduate students at Cal State LA.

Petr Vozka, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State LA, spearheaded the collaboration.

“Our mission is to mold adept students ready to lead in the industry and excel in top-tier graduate programs. Every milestone, every achievement, is a testament to our collective efforts,” he said.

A grand opening for the lab was held last month at the university’s Ferguson Courtyard, marking a significant step in advancing research and education in complex chemical analysis.

During the ceremony, René Vellanoweth, dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA, underscored the significance of private-public partnerships.

“Our country was built on the private-public relationship, and that’s exactly what Petr Vozka has done here,” he said. “He’s brought the private sector to campus. Our local community will benefit from this relationship.”

Farai Rukunda, director of separation science at LECO Corporation, commended Cal State LA’s contributions to the scientific community.

“Cal State LA, LECO Corporation is very proud of the work you do,” said Rukunda. “You’re creating future scientists who are helping us solve tomorrow’s problems today.”

Other speakers at the event included Krishna Foster, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

As part of the grand opening, Cal State LA students led tours of the facility, which provided a firsthand look at the advanced instrumentation and research potential.

The partnership between Cal State LA and the LECO Corporation aims to promote advancement in research capabilities while providing students with valuable tools for success in chemical analysis.

“LECO is here to provide the technology and support to you, Petr, to your students, to Cal State LA, and the surrounding industries to solve today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Christopher Warren, president of sales at LECO Corporation.

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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 26,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.