MARCY, N.Y. — New York State is spending $44 million on SUNY Polytechnic Institute to expand its current health-science wing and update nursing labs in Donovan Hall, create a semiconductor-processing lab for workforce development, and create a robotics and advanced manufacturing research and education lab, according to a news release from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The health-science wing expansion will establish the Center for Healthcare Innovation, a collaborative center to address increasing mental, physical, and environmental-health needs. The center will facilitate entrepreneurial efforts in the health fields, promote multidisciplinary research, clinical practice, and program development; enhance applied learning opportunities for students; and cultivate community partnerships and initiatives.
With companies such as Micron, Wolfspeed, Semikron-Danfoss, Indium Corporation, and Global Foundries investing in the state and the region, the new 3,000-square-foot semiconductor-processing lab will provide more students with a robust education in STEM, semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development.
“SUNY Poly is incredibly grateful for this investment in our institution as well as the continued support and advocacy of Gov. Kathy Hochul, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy),” SUNY Poly President Winston Soboyejo said in the release. “At a time of tremendous growth in the Mohawk Valley, these capital infrastructure advancements, made possible by this investment, will allow us to further serve our students, create additional pathways for collaboration with industry and community partners, in addition to continuing to meet the workforce development and upskilling needs of industry in New York state and beyond.”
The updates to the nursing labs will accommodate 12 clinical stations with manikins (full-body patient simulators) and up-to date simulators that will allow faculty to employ modern-day equipment and simulations to help students develop professional skills.
The new robotics and advanced-manufacturing lab will enable both educational and research opportunities in areas that include advanced robotics, sensors and controls, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and create an integrated connection with SUNY Poly’s AI for All facility. It will allow faculty to expand their activities in scholarship and sponsored research and course modules within the curriculum. It will also provide certificate and credit-bearing micro-credentials for students and continuing and professional-education opportunities for the area’s workforce.
The investment is made possible by capital support SUNY received from the enacted state budget, SUNY Capital Construction Funds, and appropriations secured by Buttenschon.
The new projects build on more than $72 million in renovations already in development at SUNY Poly, including $45 million in renovations to the Campus Center, the $5 million reconstruction of Technology and Residential Drive, and the $22 million renovation of Kunsela and Donovan halls.