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On Feb.19, members of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty joined Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for the ribbon-cutting of Teklab’s newly expanded laboratory facility in Collinsville. Teklab is a veteran-owned laboratory established in 1982, renowned for its analytical services in terms of air, wastewater, groundwater, drinking water and waste samples.

The celebrations included the Teklab faculty, Collinsville Mayor Jeff Stehman, the representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, along with Kevin Leonard, PhD, SIUE Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, Professor Eric Voss, PhD, chair of the Department of Chemistry, and Associate Professor Kevin Tucker, PhD.

Gov. Pritzker commended SIUE’s Department of Chemistry for their continued efforts and excellence in preparing students for impactful careers in science and technology.

“Thank you for your dedication,” Gov. Pritzker said in conversation with Leonard, Voss and Tucker. “Education has always been one of my top priorities and it’s vital that we continue strengthening it. I appreciate what you do to ensure Illinois remains a leader in education, innovation, and opportunity.”

Teklab Director and alumnus in chemistry Rob Henson (’00) echoed the strong, practical connection between SIUE’s Chemistry program and Teklab’s growing operations. “SIUE really strengthens our team,” Henson said. “We regularly host SIUE students for internships during the summer and holiday breaks. Many of them come back to join us full time after graduation.”

Henson further shared that Teklab, which currently employs nearly 50 alumni, plans to expand opportunities for SIUE students through upcoming open tours and future collaborations with faculty.  

PHOTOS: Kevin Tucker, PhD, Gov. Pritzker, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD, Eric Voss, PhD; Leonard (right) appears with Gov. Pritzker, Teklab and guests during ribbon-cutting