Abelson Hall

A treasure trove of interesting things, Abelson is one of three buildings housing the School of Biological Sciences and its labs, research facilities, growth chambers, & faculty offices.

Now you know…

• There is a rooftop greenhouse. 
• The Conner Museum of Natural History is open to the public every day and showcases more than 700 birds & animals. An additional 65,000-specimen research collection includes fossils, fish, amphibians, birds, & mammals. 
• The building is named for two alumni who each made significant scientific contributions:  
  • Phillip Abelson (’33 chemistry, ’35 physics) co-discovered the element neptunium, worked on the Manhattan Project, and wrote the first study of nuclear marine propulsion for submarines. 
  • Neva Abelson (’34 chemistry) was one of the first women to graduate with an MD from Johns Hopkins University, and she codeveloped a life-saving test for the Rh blood factor which resulted in safer blood transfusions and other medical advancements.