In recent years, American University has made an enormous commitment to growing the sciences-it established the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, launched new bachelors and masters programs, and hired prominent faculty to teach more than 500 students who are currently pursuing science majors and minors at AU.

Now, the university is opening two new buildings to house this growing scholarship. The Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building will open its doors on AU's new East Campus this spring. And at the same time, the university is kicking off a capital campaign to build a new building for the life and chemical sciences departments.

Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building

"The Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building represents American University's most recent investment in science," says College of Arts and Sciences Dean Peter Starr. "It is a real testament to our commitment to research, technology, and collaboration across the sciences."

The 70,000 square foot building is named after American University's long-time CFO, Vice President, and Treasurer Donald L. Myers, who passed away in 2014. It will provide a state-of-the-art environment for the departments of computer science, physics, and mathematics and statistics. It will also be home to the university's new game design and persuasive play program, a partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Communication.

The building will feature flexible collaboration space, the AU Game Lab, a problem-based instructional studio, research labs, computer classrooms, and seminar space.

Chemical, Environmental, and Life Sciences Building

AU is also gearing up for a capital campaign to build a state of the art building for the life and chemical sciences.

As a home for AU's biologists, chemists, neuroscientists, and environmental scientists, this facility will foster collaboration across departments, feature high-tech laboratories, and offer mobile modular workspaces. Like the Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building, the life sciences building will be designed for LEED certification.

Commitment to Science

The sciences at AU have experienced remarkable growth in the past decade. Students are pursuing traditional scientific disciplines including biology and psychology and computer science. At the same time, they are taking advantage of AU's newest science programs: a BS in neuroscience, and MS degrees in biostatistics and biotechnology.

The strength of AU's science programming has always been felt beyond the science majors, but never more than today. Students who choose non-science majors will confront science issues, both in the classroom and in the real world. Some of the biggest challenges facing their generation will be rooted in science, from climate change and renewable energy sources, to public health issues like childhood obesity and pandemic disease.

American University is dedicated to building leaders in scientific thinking who will make contributions towards our understanding of these critical issues facing the world. The Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building and the Chemical, Environmental, and Life Sciences Buildingare a testament to that commitment.

To learn more about plans for the new buildings, or how you can make a difference in the sciences at American University, contact Elizabeth Harless, assistant dean of development for the College of Arts and Sciences at (202) 885-5907 or harless@american.edu, or visit american.edu/cas/alumni/support.cfm.