UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Board of Trustees was briefed on the following projects at its meeting today (Sept. 20). The University is converting 3,000 square feet of existing unoccupied space on the third floor of the Millennium Sciences Complex for a new Cyber Health Initiative.
This currently unused area will serve as a collaboration space for computational science and biomedical researchers.
"The Cyber Health Initiative will provide a platform for bringing together recent advances in computational, materials, environmental and social sciences to enhance research at the frontiers of interdisciplinary biomedical and health research," said Peter Hudson, director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. "By leveraging our expertise in these fields, we can create and promote an interdisciplinary network of top researchers focused on advancing individualized medicine."
The new collaborative research space will include under-floor power and data distribution, an integrated touchscreen video wall, conference rooms, work stations, and collaboration areas, and energy-efficient air handling and lighting systems. The project is estimated to cost $1.5 million and is being funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health with Tobacco CURE funds. Completion of the project is planned for the end of 2013.
In a different section of campus, Penn State intends to replace existing mechanical systems and aging inefficient piping in the Theatre Building at University Park. The existing piping is weak, severely corroded and clogged in many places. Leaks have been occurring with increased frequency leading to emergency repairs and disruptive conditions for occupants.
The project scope includes pipe replacement, demolition, insulation, air handlers, ductwork, pumps, fan coil units and other mechanical systems equipment. Mechanical systems controls also will be replaced with up-to-date electronic technology. These improvements will contribute to decreased energy consumption in the building, fewer emergency repair and maintenance calls and greater student and employee comfort. The cost estimate for this project is $3.4 million.