FAQ

When will the building open?

Classes in ISE Lab began at the start of the Fall 2013 Semester. Those with offices and labs inside the building began moving into the space in Summer 2013.

What will happen inside?

The building has two wings: a research wing and a teaching wing. But, don't let those names fool you; teaching and research happens in both areas. The research wing houses core facilities for teams of researchers, including:

  • an imaging and microscopy suite
  • a 10,000 square foot nanofabrication facility
  • an advanced materials characterization lab

It is also the new home of the University of Delaware Energy Institute, the Delaware Environmental Institute, and the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation. Faculty members, staff members and graduate students with ties to these institutes have office space and laboratories on the top three floors.

The teaching wing features 4 problem-based learning instructional labs and 8 general purpose classrooms. ISE Lab is built for exploratory learning. Classes held inside move beyond the traditional lecture format. Students are challenged to use their knowledge in solving real-world problems.

Will there be a restaurant inside?

Yes, an Einstein Bros. Bagels shop is located on the first floor just inside the main entrance. This lobby area features seating for relaxation and study. ISE Lab's design incorporates many such common areas to encourage students and faculty to share ideas outside the classrooms and laboratories.

Is the building just for science majors?

Absolutely not! Every student is invited to spend time inside. Classes from any academic department can be held in the ISE Lab. The building was designed to foster community, with a large lobby area featuring comfortable seating and group study rooms on the upper floors. The many common areas encourage students and faculty to share ideas outside the classroom or laboratory.

The University aims to expose undergraduates to the research taking place in the building and create opportunities for them to get involved. Large-screen monitors broadcast actual projects in progress from ISE Lab's specialized research facilities.

Is it a green building?

The ISE Lab was constructed to achieve, at minimum, the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver designation. This represents a significant investment in environmentally friendly products, equipment and design standards. Green elements include:

  1. Construction waste was recycled via single stream recycling.
  2. The lighting controls system maximizes use of daylight, a function known as ‘daylight harvesting'
  3. Each air handler is equipped with a heat recovery system.
  4. There are three green roofs.
  5. The courtyard landscape utilizes native plants and an onsite drainage system, eliminating stormwater runoff.

The University of Delaware has a strong history of environmental research and education. It's not just something we teach, it's something we live. Classes held inside can utilize real-time data on ISE Lab's energy generation and consumption for class projects. The data will be readily available on Blue Henergy, UD's dedicated website on campus energy use.

  • University of Delaware  •   Newark, DE 19716  •   USA
    Phone: 302-831-2792  •   © 2013