Hall of Science Marks New Era at AU

In compliance with the latest COVID-19 health and safety protocols, American University’s new Hall of Science opened its doors to several in-person labs and classes this spring. Completed last fall, the building is the latest development in AU’s ambitious commitment to further scientific research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from environmental degradation to disease and health disparities.

The 125,000-square-foot facility houses AU’s biology, environmental science, chemistry, and neuroscience departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. “The Hall of Science is a campus jewel: a brilliant, state-of-the-art facility supporting the cutting-edge research conducted by our science faculty and students who can learn right alongside them in high-tech labs and classrooms,” says Max PAUl Friedman, interim dean of CAS.

Science is the fastest-growing area of undergraduate study at AU. Over the past several years, CAS faculty have grown their research funding by more than 100 percent, securing more than 50 unique awards from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.

Katie DeCicco-Skinner, associate professor and biology department chair, says that her department is looking forward to all the possibilities that the building holds, from new opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, to high-tech labs and equipment. “The modern, shared laboratories are designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and integrative approaches to shared research problems,” she says.

Professors across CAS agree. “For our department, the opening of the Hall of Science enables new abilities and capacities to conduct research and teaching in topics such as advanced materials, forensic chemistry, drug development, chemical weapons proliferation, and food chemistry,” says Shouzhong Zou, professor of chemistry and department chair. “The lecture hall will provide advanced technologies for more engaging and innovative research and teaching presentations. The advanced laboratory for our majors broadens our capability to train students in modern instrumentation in a research environment.”

Support AU’s Growth as a Leader in Science

By supporting AU, you can help build the next generation of leaders addressing the most urgent issues in science. To learn more about ways you might invest in AU now and in the future, contact Seth D. Speyer at 202-885-3411 or speyer@american.edu.