COLCHESTER, U.K. — The University of Essex in Colchester is planning to construct the largest and deepest pool ever built for space exploration study. Blue Abyss, the company helping to plan and design the pool, hopes it will also serve as a facility for astronaut training, dive training and testing new sea technologies.
New York-based architecture firm Francis Cauffman appointed Carol Karasek to principal, science and technology. Karasek is a practice leader with 35 years of experience in the programming, design and delivery of research and clinical facilities. She specializes in the design of academic medical centers that engage in translational research.
NoteVault provides patented voice-to-text-based mobile reporting solutions for the engineering and construction industries. NoteVault enables users to quickly and easily report project activity from the field using nothing but their voice and their mobile phone. This information is transcribed and made available through email or a web-based interface. NoteVault saves both time and money, while protecting against potential lawsuits.
Susan Martin, Ph.D., has been named interim president of San Jose State University (SJSU) in San Jose, Calif. Martin, formerly president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), brings extensive experience in managing large, diverse universities and will begin her duties at SJSU on Aug. 18. Prior to her tenure as EMU president, Martin served as the provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Michigan at Dearborn.
Extron Electronics introduced TeamWork and ShareLink, systems that provide integrated collaboration solutions for a wide variety of classroom environments. The Extron TeamWork System is an intuitive collaboration system that allows small groups of students to share content from both digital and analog sources on a common display. Extron ShareLink is a wireless collaboration gateway that allows schools to support almost any smartphone, tablet or laptop that makes its way onto campus.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Stockton University in Galloway Township is undergoing a major construction project that will redefine the school’s main entrance and provide a gathering place for students.
AHWAHNEE, Calif.— Wasuma Elementary School in Ahwahnee is now home to the first domed school building in California. The dome-shaped gymnasium serves the Wasuma Elementary Wildcats and was considered something of a funding feat.
TRENTON, N.J. — A new 59-page report issued by the New Jersey School Security Task Force, a multi-agency group tasked with identifying ways to improve security at New Jersey schools, outlines more than 40 recommendations for increasing student and teacher safety. These include establishing a School Safety Specialist Academy, improving emergency response times and increasing the use of trained school resource officers.
APOPKA, Fla.— The 90,637-square-foot Dream Lake Elementary School building in Apopka is currently undergoing a $17.9 million renovation to house more students and improve technology. The demolition has already begun and the Orange County Public School district has said that the school, which sits on a 16.4-acre site, is set to reopen in the fall of 2016.
The renovation will allow Dream Lake Elementary School, which had an original rated capacity of 460 students, to hold an additional 370 (for a total capacity of 830). The school’s current enrollment is 824.
The Chicago office of architecture and design firm Perkins+Will announced the addition of a new director of higher education planning. Jessica Figenholtz will be involved in generating growth and exposure for the Chicago office’s higher education practice by engaging clients and ensuring the creation of innovative 21st century learning environments.
