A once-overlooked corner inside Lyon College’s Derby Center for Science and Mathematics has been transformed into a welcoming new study space thanks to a collaborative effort led by Lyon students and faculty. The project, spearheaded by the Pre-Veterinary and Animal Sciences Club and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, has turned an unused nook beneath the west-side staircase into a functional, student-friendly study area.
Students Alison Koons, Will Sanders, Levi Neal, Greta Jones, and Zane Fountain, under the guidance of Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Maryline Jones, worked to furnish and redesign the space. Funding from the Student Government Association helped bring the project to life, aligning with student-led initiatives to enhance campus learning environments.
Sophomore biology major Will Sanders said the new corner provides a quiet, convenient place for students who want to work while staying close to faculty offices for support.
“Spaces like these open up new opportunities for students to study, while also still being close to professors in case they need to ask questions or are looking for help,” Sanders said.
Senior biology and chemistry double-major Zane Fountain added that the team knew the space would be well-used.
“We kind of knew students would use this space because students were already using the space on the other side of Derby,” Fountain explained. “People really like it because it’s a small, personal comfort space that’s close to all of the professors’ offices and the labs.”
Dr. Jones noted that previous success in creating a similar study area on the east side of the building helped guide the design.
“Dr. Cassia Oliveira and I furnished the space on the east side a few years back, and it is always busy,” Jones said. “It was important for us to make both of those under-used areas inviting, useful and comfortable for the students, giving them a new place to study, relax between classes and have fun.”
Pre-Vet Club president Alison Koons said the group was thrilled to help improve student spaces on campus.
“When Dr. Jones asked if we wanted to help furnish this space, we got excited about the opportunity to make it our own and have a positive impact for students,” Koons said. “We are super happy with how it turned out.”
According to Dr. Jones, student response has been immediate and enthusiastic. The new study corner is already becoming a favorite spot for those seeking a comfortable, quiet space to focus between classes.
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