Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

September 17, 2024

CCSU’s new innovations hub designed to meet state workforce needs; includes cybersecurity lab

Contributed The new Applied Innovation Hub at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.
By Hanna Snyder Gambini

Central Connecticut State University’s new Applied Innovation Hub is up and running, offering students access to technology-enhanced active learning, computer-based classrooms, and teaching and research laboratories.

University officials joined state leaders and students on Monday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the lab, which officially opened in January 2022, but was celebrated this week.

The 87,000-square-foot building, at 1615 Stanley Way, in New Britain, was created for students in the School of Engineering, Science and Technology, and features the state’s first XR lab, where virtual, augmented and mixed-reality experiences can be used for education, training and research in fields ranging from health care, manufacturing, construction and engineering.

The $54 million project was funded with state bonding and managed by the Department of Administrative Services Construction Services.

The space is part of President Dr. Zulma R. Toro’s 2030 strategic plan, and is designed to meet the needs of the growing population of STEM students, officials said.

Gov. Ned Lamont was on hand at the ribbon-cutting ceremony where he echoed state and university leaders’ commitment to bolstering the state’s STEM workforce through advanced education in Connecticut’s university system.

The hub also features a senior design lab and labs dedicated to robotics, mechatronics, fluid controls, electrical engineering, engineering materials and mechanics and material science, thermal and energy studies, structural engineering, concrete and cybersecurity labs, an Innovation Design Center, 180-seat lecture hall as well as office space.

CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng said the technology and learning offered in these labs is on par with spaces in the most prestigious STEM universities like Harvard and MIT.

The development team included Amenta Emma Architects and KBE Building Corp.


 

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF