Centers & Facilities: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Students conducting outdoor research at NKU's Research and Education Field Station

NKU Research and Education Field Station

The Research and Education Field Station (REFS) is a learning center where research, education, and nature merge. Students can participate in regional environmental and ecological research with faculty and professionals in the field during outdoor-oriented courses with access to wetlands, upland old growth forest, meadowlands, streams, and the Ohio River.

Herbarium

The John W. Thieret Herbarium is one of NKU's secret treasures: a library of over 35,000 pressed and dried plant collections. These collections are used for both research and teaching.

Neuroscience Research Facility

Neuroscience faculty from various departments collaborate in advanced labs to study brain and behavior. Research explores addiction, infections, drugs, and pollutants. Students investigate changes in cells, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genes to understand how the nervous system responds, gaining a comprehensive view of brain function and its vulnerabilities.

Students being taught about human anatomy and physiology in the classroom

Cadaver Laboratory

Students have the profoundly impactful opportunity to learn about the complexity of the human body in our cadaver lab, applying anatomy and physiology concepts they have previously learned in class in a lasting way. Students of different levels in our region can respectfully learn about the body and their interests in medicine in this unique teaching environment.

Students and faculty conduct summer research together in the lab

Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics (CINSAM)

CINSAM promotes STEM learning from preschool through college by supporting teaching, research, and access to opportunities. It partners with regional P–12 schools and leads projects where students engage in STEM research, develop leadership skills, and practice science communication, fostering enthusiasm and excellence in STEM education at all levels.

A student in protective lab gear using sophisticated laboratory equipment

Interdisciplinary Laboratory Equipment

The Science Center and Health Innovation Center feature shared labs with advanced equipment like a QToF Mass Spectrometer, NMR, and confocal microscope. Students use this technology in research with faculty and lab courses, gaining hands-on experience in metabolomics, chromatography, spectroscopy, and microscopy across multiple scientific disciplines.