Renovating and Expanding the Hodson Science and Technology Center

Although the campaign has formally concluded, there is still work to be done. A substantial renovation to the Hodson Science and Technology Center, including a 32,000-square-foot addition, was identified as a campaign priority. In meeting the rapid growth of Hood’s STEM programs, such as cybersecurity and health informatics, the expansion will allow for modernized laboratories and training spaces, classrooms equipped with virtual technology, a greenhouse and an 80-seat auditorium.

The addition will feature a new Biomedical Research and Training Center, the mission of which is to support workforce growth in the manufacturing, research and development sectors. Courses and training programs are being designed to address emerging methods and research topics, with the goal of preparing students to successfully enter the regional biomedical workforce.

“The Biomedical Research and Training Center represents a collaboration among Hood faculty and numerous local industry experts to provide our students with exciting opportunities and exposure to research as well as biotechnical techniques and concepts,” says Meredith Yeager, M.S.’96, Ph.D., biomedical science program director. “Because of Hood’s proximity to dozens of biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, government and nonprofit entities, the center will allow students to learn from and have hands-on experiences with academic, government and industry leaders.”

Part of the proposed center has been funded through the U.S. 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, with Frederick County’s booming tech sector cited as a key factor.

“We want to make sure that students who pursue [STEM] fields have all the tools that they need to succeed,” says Senator Chris Van Hollen (D -Md.). “These investments are part of a larger national strategy to make sure that, as a country, we’re prepared to meet the jobs of today and the future.”

These improvements to the facilities will leverage existing partnerships, such as the Kite Pharma lab, which trains Kite employees and Hood students in cell therapy manufacturing. The College recently began a collaboration with ScienceWerx, a nonprofit organization that specializes in commercializing research and technology. Hood students will learn the process of turning scientific discoveries into viable, life-saving products. Maximizing these cutting-edge partnerships, however, will require a dynamic, contemporary space.

“In our department, we are constantly growing, providing more educational programs and research opportunities for our students,” says Daniel Sierra-Sosa, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science. “The building renovation will ensure that we have more space suitable for teaching, researching and studying. With the new classrooms and laboratories, we will be better suited to continue providing high-quality STEM education and workforce development in the years to come.”

Read the full issue of Hood Magazine here.