The Simpsons in Scarborough

Move over, Bart and Lisa – the University of Toronto has its own Simpsons, and they are heading up the new Environmental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Centre at the University of Toronto at Scarborough (UTSC). André Simpson, a professor of chemistry and the centre’s director, and his wife, Myrna Simpson, a professor of environmental chemistry and associate director, supervise activities at the facility. Using a specially designed NMR spectrometer (funded by Bruker BioSpin Canada) and other innovative technology, researchers analyse and map the compounds found in organic matter. The centre, which opened in May, is the first of its kind in Canada dedicated to research in environmental science.

UTSC also held a groundbreaking for its new Arts and Administration Building this past spring. The four-storey building, designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc., will be completed in autumn 2005. The facility will house the visual and performing arts programs – with studios, classrooms and a 300-seat lecture theatre – as well as a Welcome Centre for visitors and the UTSC community.

On St. George campus, the newly opened Woodsworth College Residence provides a home to 370 undergraduate students. The 17-storey tower, at the corner of Bloor and St. George streets, holds four- and six-bedroom suites, classrooms and meeting spaces. Designed by architectsAlliance of Toronto, the building is also complemented by a public courtyard that is connected to campus walkways.