Stategic plan
“It all goes back to elements in our 2020 strategic plan, mainly innovation in sciences, technology and learning,” Buley said. “We wanted the students experience, to mirror what they’d meet in the work force. We really wanted to build something for the future.”
With the pandemic still going on, many students have been relegated to taking courses alone at home. With that in mind, Buley noted that the Science and Innovation Center is more than equipped to tend to the needs of students inperson or from home. Not only are professors able to broadcast lessons to students learning remotely, but the wide size of the labs allows students attending in-person sessions to social distance. Buley added that the 125 students currently attending on campus lessons have been following social distancing requirements and wearing masks. Because of those efforts, Buley said that Rivier hasn’t had anyone test positive for coronavirus in four weeks.
“I think the students are very appreciative to be back through flexibility and social distancing,” she added. “We’ve got six weeks to go in the current semester and so far, so good.”
“It’s been a very different year so far, but I’m very proud of everyone for getting this far,” Maegan Sheehy, a junior, said.
“The teachers are adapting to this like we are,” Katerina St. Angelo, another junior, added while entering the center. “When I saw the new building for the first time, I cried. The technology here is really remarkable.”
The center’s new video features make it accessible for students and staff. During the day, for instance, two classrooms are used to accommodate one lesson with students spaced out between lab desks while the faculty member leading the lesson uses telecommunication to talk between rooms.
There’s also the video wall in the center’s main lobby, a six-by-11 foot touch-screen with various facts about biology and science popping in-and-out for students to engage with.
“Our underlying philosophy here is science on display,” Buley said. “We want to give students the chance to come in and love this building and see that this is something to embrace. This isn’t window dressing, this is real engagement.”
Rivier will be hosting an official dedication ceremony for the new building on Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. Buley hopes that this improved facility will further show Rivier as “a beacon for higher education” and open its doors for more community-based programs.
“Nashua is doing remarkably well in life sciences and biotech and network security,” she added. “We want to welcome other residents, high school staff and others to show us as contributors to the Nashua Region.”