IU Indianapolis and Purdue in Indianapolis have both started many new construction projects in the last year. Most notably, the new Purdue in Indianapolis Academic Success building is being built across from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering building, as well as the James T. Morris Arena behind Herron. Now, a new IU STEM Laboratory building is also being constructed on the main campus.
The lab is projected to be under construction through summer 2025 and completed by fall 2026, located across from Lot 85 at the corner of Blackford Street and New York Street.
In a News at IU article, Dean John F. DiTusa of the IU School of Science in Indianapolis said, “‘The new interdisciplinary research building and renovations to existing laboratory spaces will ensure continued academic and research success and growth opportunities for students, faculty and staff in the years ahead.’”
This also corresponds with the announcement of IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB) and IU Indianapolis gaining an R1 ranking earlier this year. R1 rankings, standing for Research 1, is a title awarded to universities by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation is given to universities with at least $50 million in research funding and awarding more than 70 doctoral degrees, in any field, in one year.
The new IU STEM Lab and Bioscience Institute will, “drive transformative research in areas of health, medicine, life sciences and technology,” according to an IU Indianapolis media release from February.
Executive Director and biomedical engineering professor Chia-Ying “James” Lin was also cited by News at IU as saying, “The new STEM Lab Building will serve as the physical and intellectual nucleus for the Convergent Bioscience and Technology Institute’s four technological pillars: sensing technologies, new implantables, molecular assessments and smart drug delivery.”
The same article explains that the new building will include, “state-of-the-art laboratory spaces, including a 3D bioprinter lab, an advanced physics lab and research cores. Lab space will support the development of advanced sensors to be used in a variety of biomedical applications, like diagnostics and continuous health monitoring systems, wearable devices and integrated sensors.”
IU Lab, while at a different location than the new STEM Lab building on campus, will also be working towards expanding research on IU Indianapolis campus. Projected to open in the 16 Tech Innovation District in 2027, IU Lab is part of an academic-industry initiative which will, “train hundred of students in cross-disciplinary studios and labs to power tomorrow’s workforce, helping make Indiana a global leader in bioscience innovation,” according to to the IU Lab facts sheet.
While these new facilities are being constructed, the current School of Science buildings will be getting new research lab spaces as well as other departmental improvements.
According to senior Bri Lopez, undergraduate researcher, this expansion poses great student opportunities especially given the new R1 status of the university.
“I think the expansion of research on campus is great. It allows students to be able to get some research under their belt now that the school is rated R1,” Lopez said.
In addition to this, Lopez comments on their experience doing research at the university and how it supports their future career goals.
“I think students will greatly benefit from this. Currently, I’m doing research over the summer on a paper about cardiovascular deaths based on social determinants and have been enjoying that,” Lopez said. “Being able to add this to my resume will hopefully help me get work once I leave IUI in December.”
Abigail Godsen (she/her) is a senior majoring in Applied Information Sciences with a minor in Classics. She is Editor-in-Chief for The Campus Citizen. When she isn’t writing, Abby likes to cook, do crossword puzzles and drink a lot of tea. She can be summoned using anything shiny or books.
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