Facilities and Labs
CAHNR is home to a wide range of distinctive facilities, labs, farms, and centers that support hands-on, solution-oriented research. Working closely with faculty and staff, CAHNR students have the chance to explore their interests in cutting-edge, specialized facilities to prepare for their careers and goals after graduation.
Animal Health
Cattle Resource Unit
The Cattle Resource Unit is used for teaching, research, and extension programs with the Department of Animal Science. It is home to up to 140 heifers and dry cows, penned by age between four months and two years old.
Kellogg Dairy Center
The KDC houses UConn’s milking cows and our cutting-edge robotic milking system. Some of the milk produced is used to make UConn Dairy Bar’s famous ice cream and cheese. The facility is also used for teaching, research, and extension programs.
Livestock Units 1 and 2
Uniquely located on UConn’s campus, the Livestock Units house beef cattle, sheep, and pigs. The facilities are used for teaching, research, and extension programs with the Department of Animal Science.
Horse Units 1 and 2
These units accommodate UConn’s herd of 70 horses for teaching, research, and extension programs, including foaling. The facilities include dozens of stalls, tack rooms, classrooms, labs, and a lighted outdoor arena and training areas.
Horsebarn Hill Arena
The Horsebarn Hill Arena is located next to Horse Unit I. Its 120’ by 220’ indoor arena space includes a public viewing area and is used for equine science classes, equestrian competitions, polo matches, club activities, public riding instruction, and the Little International Livestock and Horse Show.
Meat Science and Food Products Laboratories
The Meat Science and Food Products Laboratory is used primarily for teaching and research related to the manufacturing of processed meat products. In addition to manufacturing equipment, the Labs also include a general kitchen/preparation area, and a six-unit sensory panel.
Poultry Resource Unit
The Poultry Resource Unit houses up to 3,000 birds used for research, fertile egg production, class work, and club work. Work study, student labor, and internships are available for students interested in gaining experience at the unit.
UConn Creamery
The UConn Creamery produces all of the ice cream and cheese sold at the UConn Dairy Bar. The Creamery is used for Dairy Foods research, outreach, and teaching activities.
Human Health
Human Anatomy Learning Laboratory (HALL)
HALL is UConn’s hub for the study of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology focused on real cadaver dissection with simulation support. The 700-square-foot cadaver lab is configured for both on-site training and the creation of video content for asynchronous instruction and/or streaming synchronous online instruction.
Human Performance Laboratory
Human Performance Laboratory brings together state-of-the-art research spaces and expert training under one roof. Located in over 7,800 square feet of lab space in Gampel Pavilion, the facility has state-of-the-art equipment to conduct specialized research.
MISSION Heat Lab
The MISSION Heat Lab features a 450 sq. ft. walk-in chamber for studying thermoregulation and human performance. It controls temperature (-10°F – 120°F), humidity (20%–90%), wind (0–20 mph), and radiant heat from full cloud cover to direct sun, simulating conditions faced by athletes, warfighters, and laborers.
National Lab for Occupational Heat Safety
The National Lab for Occupational Heat Safety (opened in 2025) adds a 750 sq. ft. chamber that provides the same environmental conditions, as well as simulated altitudes up to 12,000 ft.
Physical Therapy Labs
Located in the Kinesiology Building on Horsebarn Hill, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program houses two large labs that allow students to experience true physical therapy practice and for faculty to connect with real patients seeking support.
UConn ISM at PeoplesBank Arena
This newly opened facility supports community engagement activities for UConn’s Institute for Sports Medicine (ISM). ISM works with clinicians, researchers, and physicians to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
Plants and the Environment
Greenhouses
CAHNR is home to several climate-controlled greenhouses, used for teaching, research, and extension programs. Students gain hands-on experience with plant cultivation and care, while student clubs like the UConn Hort Club offer plant sales and participate in community events, like the annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show.
Plant and Soil Health Center
The Plant and Soil Health Center will combine UConn’s public-facing agricultural services with a new flexible, collaborative, laboratory space for CAHNR. It brings together the resources available through the Home Garden Education Office, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, and the Turf Diagnostic Lab.
Plant Science Research and Education Farm
The Plant Science Research and Education Farm is a 153-acre facility located on Route 195, approximately two miles south of campus. It is a key part of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture’s research portfolio and offers students hands-on experience in sustainable practices.
Outdoor Classroom
Built by UConn faculty, students, and staff from UConn Forest wood, the Outdoor Classroom on Horsebarn Hill showcases the many benefits of its surroundings. With a 30-foot radius in a hexagonal shape, the classroom can accommodate a variety of course types.
UConn Forest
The UConn Forest consists of 2,100 acres of forest land in the Storrs-Mansfield vicinity. Aside from being a beautiful place to appreciate Connecticut’s nature, the Forest is a site for research, education, and extension work.
Community and Events
East Road Observatory
The East Road Observatory is located on the Plant Science Research and Education Farm. It provides students and researchers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with an earth-bound scope right here in Storrs.
Ratcliffe Hicks Arena
The Ratcliffe Hicks Arena is a large, heated facility that can seat up to 500 spectators. The arena is used both for teaching and for hosting community events with groups like Future Farmers of America and UConn 4-H. The space is available to rent for a small fee.