On December 2nd, Tennessee Tech University unveiled the Poultry Science Research Center, incorporating the Aviagen Poultry Science Laboratory. The 8,000 square foot facility cost over $ $2 million and comprises research units to house chickens with dedicated areas to process research specimens in addition to offices, biosecurity installations and the Aviagen Laboratory.
Dr. Darron Smith, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology, stated, “This is without a doubt the best research center in the state of Tennessee for poultry.” Referring to the support of Aviagen he added, “Having these relationships builds a pipeline for our 
students to obtain employment and internships. This laboratory will help train our students to be more equipped to move into the poultry industry.” Aviagen supported the Tennessee Tech University project together with the Tennessee Poultry Association and the Tennessee Board of Regions.