Two new research labs are now open at Binghamton University. School officials were joined by elected leaders at a ceremony opening the labs Thursday. Our Melissa Kakareka tells us what research is being done in the labs and how it will impact the public.

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VESTAL, N.Y. -- Binghamton University is expanding its place in the world of electronics research.

"I said when I took this job that one of the most important goals I had was to expand research programs," said BU President Harvey Stenger.

University officials were joined by elected leaders Thursday to open two new labs within the S3IP Center of Excellence. One lab performs cutting-edge research in electronics packaging.

"The Reliability and Failure Analysis Lab has been recently relocated and expanded from across campus provides instrumentation and expertise to solve critical issues in packaging, this is of great value to our industrial partners," said S3IP Center Director Bahgat Sammakia.

The other lab, known as the CASP solar laboratory, is supported through $8.5 million in federal funding. It focuses on the development of solar energy by creating miniature thin film solar cells. An advancement that elected leaders believe will lower the cost of solar energy and lead to major breakthroughs in energy use.

"CASP marks a turning point for Binghamton University and a step forward for renewable energy. The research that is done within these walls can reshape our energy future," said Congressman Maurice Hinchey.

"The research is going to lead to a wealth of applications, such as personal power generation for cooling systems for our soldiers in hot climates, solar powered censor networks for self powered highway signs, solar systems to charge cell phones and laptops without batteries," said Senator Charles Schumer.

Providing a potentially huge boost to the local economy.

"It means a four letter word. Jobs. Too often, New York institutions did research that is very nice in an Ivory Tower, we now are focused on jobs," said Schumer.

And opening up new possibilities for both the university and those it supports.

Both labs are located at BU's Innovative Technologies Complex.