Delaware State University breaks ground for new optics research building

Dover, DE--Delaware State University (DSU) has broken ground on its future Optical Science Center for Applied Research (OSCAR) building, which was made possible initially by the support of Governor Jack Markell, who earmarked $10 million in the fiscal 2012 budget for the project.

The four-story, 70,000-sq-ft. building will be the new home of DSU’s Optics Program, which since 2006 has been the recipient of $23 million in research grants, produced the University’s two first two intellectual properties, and is currently involved with NASA in its current Mars Curiosity Rover mission.

“By investing in this project, we are investing in the future of our state,” says Gov. Markell. “Students are gaining the great potential to learn cutting-edge science and technology for the jobs of tomorrow. Strong universities will give us the educated workforce we need for the future, and further strengthen Delaware as an attractive place for innovative businesses.”

Gov. Markell adds that the Delaware General Assembly also deserves credit for its support for the future building, as it approved the $10 million toward the project in the fiscal 2012 budget.

The OSCAR building--which will be built in three phases--will be designed to be economic in its long-term energy usage through the installation of radiant cooling and heating systems.

The initial 27,000-sq-ft. first phase will house state-of-the-art advanced optical research laboratories. A suite of shared laboratories will provide advanced technology testing and instrumentation to support many research needs. The OSCAR Building will provide for wet chemistry, nanochemistry, conventional and confocal microscopy, scanning electronic and atomic force microscopy, as well as a complete image analysis suite.

The completed 70,000-sq-ft. building will add the capability of expanded optical laboratories, computational laboratories, class 100/1000 cleanrooms, expanded office areas, and a 150-seat, auditorium-style classroom. In its design to promote scholarly interaction, interdisciplinary research, and innovation, the building will also include open interaction spaces, meeting rooms and offices, a multipurpose meeting space, and departmental offices.

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