Grand opening of UWM’s new Chemistry Building set for Sept. 27
Faculty member Gloria Freschl prepares to teach her nursing students biochemistry in the active learning lecture hall on the first floor. The hall has a wide, low setting that encourages small group discussions. The back wall also retracts and opens up to the lobby. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
New reactors for large scale organic synthesis enable the Chemistry department to teach students about industrial application of organic chemistry. (UWM Photo)
A view of the north side of the new Chemistry Building. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
A view of the south side of the new Chemistry Building along Kenwood Blvd. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
The fourth floor houses bio/inorganic chemistry researchers who study systems ranging from antibiotic biosynthesis to the search for new antiviral compounds and to the inner workings of metalloenzymes. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Organic research facilities focus on the development of new organic reactions to enable the synthesis of new drug candidates for cancer, respiratory and other diseases. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
The new Chemistry Building features informal learning spaces, introductory instructional laboratories and a seamless connection between floors. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Instructional laboratories for teaching organic chemistry balance safe operations with student stations around the perimeter of the room and a central classroom space allowing for both experimentation and collaborative discussion. (UWM Photo)
Instructional laboratories for teaching organic chemistry include visibility from common spaces by utilizing see-through equipment, also allowing the public to see the experiments as students conduct them. (UWM Photo)
The large student-centered teaching spaces spill out into inviting informal learning spaces for students to settle into their studies between classes. An open staircase seamlessly connects them to classrooms and instructional laboratories as well as support spaces. (UWM Photo)
UWM will officially unveil its new, state-of-the-art Chemistry Building at a grand opening celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday. The event will celebrate the completion of six years of design and construction and cap a significant milestone in UWM’s commitment to advancing scientific education and research.
The celebration will start with a dedication featuring remarks from Chancellor Mark Mone, other special guests and a ceremonial “chemical reaction.” An open house reception, tours of the new space and presentations from students and faculty will follow.
Construction of the four-story, 163,400-square-foot-building started in 2022, and it replaces a facility built in 1972. The new Chemistry Building serves as a gateway to UWM’s STEM departments and helps faculty and staff better prepare students interested in fast-growing fields like medicine, genetic engineering, toxicology, pharmaceutics, chemical education, nanoscience and more. More than 3,500 students take chemistry or biochemistry classes each year.
“The chemical industry is the fifth-largest manufacturing sector in Wisconsin, and UWM graduates are vital to that industry,” Mone said. “This building will not only enhance the learning experience for our students, but it will also fill the state’s talent pipeline and bolster our research capabilities, contributing to significant scientific advances.”
The $118 million building is designed to foster collaboration and innovation. It features modern laboratories, advanced research equipment and flexible learning spaces that reflect the latest trends in chemistry education and research. It will support cutting-edge research in areas such as materials science, medicinal chemistry and environmental chemistry.
Some notable features of the new Chemistry Building:
- State-of-the-art laboratories: Designed for undergraduate students, graduate students and researchers, these labs are equipped with the latest technology to facilitate hands-on learning and innovative research. Instruction and research labs are side-by-side to connect students and researchers.
- Interactive lecture halls: The lecture halls are intentionally designed as student-centered active learning spaces. One features a wall that slides open to the lobby for symposiums and conferences.
- Informal learning spaces: The floor plan expands the corridors to provide comfortable open areas for students to continue learning outside the classrooms and labs.
- Teaching and research facilities: Large glass walls and natural lighting form a “science on display” environment and welcome others to see and seek information on the scientific process .
- Outreach laboratory: The integrated space can be used for multiple purposes to support learning for K-12 teachers and students studying to be teachers.
- Kilo laboratory: The new lab has emulation space and new reactors for large scale chemistry, which will help students learn about industrial applications of organic chemistry.
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