Transforming STEM at PSU

Creating an Inclusive Welcoming Home of STEM at PSU

How we design and build a space matters — and we have an opportunity to transform our students’ interest and success in STEM majors through the dramatic renovation of our undergraduate science building. What is now Science Building 1 will become the Vernier Science Center (VSC) with contemporary labs, classrooms and learning spaces that support collaboration, exploratory learning and authentic research experiences; easily accessible student supports; and culturally affirming spaces where our students feel a sense of belonging and see a future in STEM.

A Peek at the Progress Inside

Student voices centered in design process

PSU took a new, equity-centered approach, placing BIPOC students in shared leadership roles throughout the visioning and early design phases. The 13-member BIPOC Student Advisory Board, representing a variety of majors and identities, met with architects, campus planning, facilities and college leadership.

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Samples of design materials laid out on table

A roadmap for design and placemaking

Students, together with consultant Amara Pérez, facilitated dialogue sessions with BIPOC faculty, staff, alumni and community members. The insights that emerged from the conversations, together with results from a survey for first-year students, resulted in an action-oriented guide for the project team.

Read Action-Oriented Guide

Key Spaces

Two students conducting experiment on plants

CURE Teaching Labs

State-of-the-art teaching labs will support the expansion of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and expose a larger number of students to authentic research opportunities.

Students and instructor observing plants in garden

ITECK Suite & Gardens

Culturally-affirming spaces and gardens will support the expansion of Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK)-centered curriculum, practices and partnerships.

Group of S-STEM students posing for photo

STEM Equity Suite

Program-specific and shared spaces will foster community and connection and help to institutionalize the work of critical support programs such as BUILD EXITO, LSAMP, McNair Scholars and S-STEM.

From a 'Fortress' to Welcoming Space

Rendering of exterior of Vernier Science Center

On the entry level, the building will extend outward, creating more gathering spaces along the perimeter. Outside, planters filled with native species will help soften the building and connect students to nature (Bora).

Light-filled spaces and natural materials will bring the outside in (Bora).

Rendering of family space in Vernier Science Center

A family lounge will offer student parents a children-friendly space (Bora).

A new opening into the basement floor will provide students with more natural light (Bora).

A student lounge will offer students space to connect, unwind and reheat food (Bora).

Culturally affirming spaces, such as a community classroom, will support the expansion of Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK)-centered curriculum, practices and partnerships (Bora).

The First Foods Kitchen Classroom will include a medicine-making area and a fully functional demonstration kitchen that will connect classes digitally to Indigenous communities around the world (Bora).

The colors are inspired by the Pacific Northwest, from the blue-violet of camas to the neutral tones of the high desert (Bora).

Classrooms will allow for flexible and adaptable configurations (Bora).

The Building's Namesake

The building, currently named Science Building One, will be renamed for Christine and David Vernier who founded the scientific hardware and education software company Vernier Software & Technology. The Verniers are long-time supporters of PSU and pledged $4.5 million for the renovation in January 2020.

More About Verniers' Gift