Gopal Rao Wins Prestigious Technology Development Award
March 26 , 2008 – Dr. Gopal Rao, Physics Department, UMass Boston has won one of only eight grant awards made by UMass President Wilson for further development of the Fourier Phase Contrast Microscope. The project focuses on developing a lab model microscope that is based on a novel Fourier phase contrast microscopy technique. This represents a major improvement over existing microscopes that are widely used for research. The VDC assisted Dr. Rao with presentation coaching.
Venture Development Center Construction Begins
February 22 , 2008 – With the design complete and a contract for construction awarded by the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, work is beginning to transform the space formerly occupied by the Wheatley Hall Cafeteria into the state-of-the art Venture Development Center (VDC).
The VDC was conceived after considerable campus discussion how to enhance capacity to partner with industry and other institutions on high impact research. The vision was to build a proof-of-concept program to temporarily support new initiatives that would graduate into other space on or off campus as they demonstrate their potential for success. The VDC's 18,000-square-foot facility will contain flexible, smart meeting, office and lab workspace.
Last year, lead design firm Sasaki Associates Inc., after carefully listening to campus input, released a schematic design for the facility as well as preliminary drawings of the furnishings, equipment, colors and materials.
Based on the current construction schedule, we anticipate that the newly constructed VDC will be open for operation in August 2008.
If you have any questions or concerns about construction, please contact Customer Service at 287-4000, and they will relay them to Dorothy F. Renaghan, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management.
Fast Start for Youth Fitness Center
June 27 , 2007– Dr. Kyle McInnis of UMass Boston's College of Nursing and Health Science has received a prestigious Science and Technology Award of $120,000 by UMass President Wilson.
The award will position the college's new clinical research and training center to become nationally recognized and funded. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has committed at least $500 million over the next five years to fight childhood obesity.
The state-of-the-art 5,000 sq. ft. GoKids Boston center in the Quinn Building was opened earlier this month with initial support from Children’s Hospital Boston. Leading clinicians from Children’s Hospital Boston and other area hospitals and medical centers will collaborate with UMass Boston faculty and students.
“We see the consequences of childhood obesity on a daily basis, with an increased incidence of diabetes and other diseases,” said Dr. James Mandell, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Boston, at the center’s opening. “We hope that supporting this innovative program will directly help children in Boston and through research improve the fitness of children everywhere.”
Over the last two years, the Venture Development Center was instrumental in moving this new initiaitve from idea development to completion of a business plan, negotiation of a cooperative agreement with Children’s Hospital Boston and construction of the new facility.
Sasaki Releases Design for VDC Space
June 7 , 2007– Sasaki Associates Inc., has released the schematic design for the 15,000 sq. ft. on the third floor of Wheatley which will be the home of the Venture Development Center. This space is intended to support and showcase new research collaborations and ventures involving our researchers and their external partners.
The design reflects the input of 36 faculty members who met in small groups on March 29, April 4, May 1 and May 4, 2007 to discuss desired functional features of the labs, offices, and work spaces.
Sasaki Associates has also produced preliminary drawings of the furnishings, equipment, colors and materials. Construction bid documents are expected to be completed in September 2007, with construction completed in June 2008.
Contact Neil Rodberg at 617-287-7398 for more information.
Researchers Weigh In on VDC Space
May 14 , 2007– Researchers want an oasis!
The “spring” would not be water, but cable and associated technology delivering terabits of data; the “refuge” would be excellent support services; and the “flourishing civilization” would be many disciplines collaborating.
This is the gist of what thirty-six faculty members from across the university communicated when they met in small groups on March 29, April 4, May 1 and May 4, 2007 to discuss desired functional features of the work spaces, labs and offices in the Venture Development Center (VDC) space in Wheatley Hall.
The researchers were asked how they work collaboratively, what kind of spaces and technology facilitate that, what security is required, and what services are expected.
The groups also offered several important caveats:
• “Make sure all technologies are easy to use, that it doesn’t take a ton of paperwork and such to gain access to and use.”
• “If the support is excellent, then people don’t mind paying for its use.”
• “Make sure to define in detail the rules for using the VDC space.”
The results of the meeting are being used by Sasaki Associates Inc., the VDC project’s architect.
The VDC’s objective is to assist investigators and their external partners to form creative alliances, compete for major new funding, establish new crosscutting research centers, and protect and commercialize intellectual property.
Please contact William Brah at 617-287-7723 for more information.
Architects Seek Input on VDC Space
April 17 , 2007– Sasaki Associates' design team for the new Venture Development Center has collected images of the possible look and feel of the renovated space on the third floor of Wheatley. Members of the university community are invited to comment on these images of various design features. This will guide Sasaki Associates to develop a design that reflects the culture and expectations of potential users of the Venture Development Center space.
Contact Neil Rodberg at 617-287-7398 for more information.
Sensor Team Wins Award
March 16 , 2007– The Center for Coastal Environmental Sensor Networks has received a $40,000 grant to develop a fluorescence-based sensor to detect total bacteria. The award by the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center is their first ever to UMass Boston. The inventors of the sensor are Bob Chen, Mike Shiaris, Steve Rudnick and Francesco Peri. Instrument maker YSI Inc., is collaborating on the project.
The Center for Coastal Environmental Sensor Networks is a new initiative supported by the Venture Development Center. Demand for wireless sensors could grow from several hundred million dollars currently to $8 billion worldwide by 2010, according to market research firm ON World.
For more information, contact Michael Pollard at 617-287-7420.
VDC Space Design Phase Begins
March 8 , 2007– Sasaki Associates Inc., has begun architectural design for 15,000 sq. ft. on the third floor of Wheatley, the future home of the Venture Development Center. The schematic design will be completed in May 2007; construction documents will be completed in September 2007. Groups of researchers are being organized to provide input to the Sasaki team.
Contact Neil Rodberg at 617-287-7398 for more information.