Building innovation: STEM and Classroom facility

Supporting scientific roots

May 1, 2017 | Staff

College of Science and Engineering
 


Originally created for NASA, UHCL continues to serve as an educational home to area scientists, engineers and aerospace professionals. UHCL is positioned to launch the careers of many future leaders in industries that strengthen the region.

STEM and Classroom BuildingSince 1974, the university has built on relationships with NASA Johnson Space Center, aerospace contractors and other local businesses for the mutual benefit of companies and students. In doing so, the university has provided unique learning experiences to generations of students who have created new scientific endeavors in fields such as environmental technology, geophysics, biotechnology, nanotechnology and information sciences.

Science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM, are pillars of growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13 percent growth in careers in this sector between 2012 and 2020, compared with 11 percent growth in non-STEM sectors.

Understanding the need for a stellar STEM facility in the very community that spawned a half-century of scientific achievements – and with the positive influence of state Sen. Larry Taylor – the state Legislature in 2015 funded the construction of a $65.7 million STEM and Classroom Building, which broke ground in March with plans to open in fall 2018.

This new facility will help attract more students to science and technology careers and provide room for the continuing intellectual growth of faculty. Labs in the building will foster a hands-on experience, allowing students to develop more creative solutions. They can begin their careers with real-world training, and return for advanced learning, while faculty can strengthen their research.

It also provides fresh opportunities for partnerships and more dialogue with the area’s high-tech industries.

Features
  • 121,575 square-feet
  • 3-story section for classrooms and teaching and research labs
  • 2-story section for offi ces and classrooms
  • 13 faculty research labs
  • 15 teaching labs for mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, geology, industrial hygiene and environmental safety
  • Specialty rooms that include space for mechanical engineering projects, computer-aided drafting and 3-D printing
  • Astronomy observation deck and other support labs
  • 100-seat tiered lecture hall
  • 30-seat computer lab

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