When Penn State’s Millennium Science Complex (MSC) opened its doors to researchers last fall, it inaugurated a new era of scientific discovery at the intersection of materials science, engineering, nanoscience and the life sciences at Penn State.

When Penn State's Millennium Science Complex opened its doors to researchers last fall, it inaugurated a new era of scientific discovery at the intersection of materials science, engineering, nanoscience and the life sciences at Penn State. The 297,000-square-foot research building is the culmination of 10 years of planning and more than three years of construction, making it the largest academic building on campus and one of the most complex construction projects in Penn State history.

We are the first U.S. university lab capable of fabricating a full-sized battery that would fit inside an electric or hybrid electric car, says Chao-Yang Wang, distinguished professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State and the Center's co-director.

Students, faculty and staff returning to the University Park campus for the start of spring semester classes today (Jan. 10) will see the first visible signs of progress on the Biobehavioral Health Building construction site since the construction fencing went up back in October. The bridge connecting Henderson Building and Henderson Building South has been demolished -- a step necessary before construction on the new building could begin.