Broward College Hosts Grand Opening of New Science Building

New building aims to develop future STEM workforce, as well as undergraduate research

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (September 22, 2015) – Broward College held a ribbon cutting and grand opening event today for the new Academic and Laboratory Science Building, located on the Judson A. Samuels South Campus. Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Broward College President J. David Armstrong, Jr., Broward College Board of Trustees Chairman John Benz, Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis and Broward College South Campus President Rolando Garcia spoke at the event. Students and faculty members then led a guided tour of the new facility.

“There is a strong need to develop a well-trained workforce in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Armstrong. “This new facility will enhance our efforts to recruit students into STEM-disciplines, and better prepare and educate our students with the latest technology and equipment to be competitive when entering these fields upon graduation.”

The two-story, 51,336-square-foot building includes 13 labs, three times the number of labs that South Campus currently has on-hand, and eight classrooms. The new building increases the amount of space available for both classroom and laboratory teaching in various science disciplines, as well as the College’s ability to introduce research opportunities into the undergraduate science curriculum.

The science building is equipped with the latest technology, models and instrumentation, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectrometers, as well as gas chromatography, allowing students to obtain a deeper grasp of subject material. In addition, the building houses multimedia digital visualization capabilities, enhancing the study of complex topics such as anatomy for visual learners. The building also includes lab preparation areas, a student reception area for the science department and faculty offices.

“Under the guidance of faculty, students can investigate topics that interest them, such as solar technology or South Florida’s ecology, way beyond the scope of the classroom,” said Jacqueline Conrad, assistant professor in the biological sciences department. “Research can expose students to so many disciplines and help them determine their area of interest for the future. For some, it can awaken a passion for science that will last a lifetime.”

The Academic and Laboratory Science Building was designed by Leo Daly Architects and constructed by Pirtle Construction.

For more information, contact Angela Nicoletti at 954-201-7939 or anicolet@broward.edu.