AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken is set to enhance its Science and Engineering building, thanks to a recent allocation of $8.2 million approved by the South Carolina Legislature, as announced by USCA on Thursday.

In a statement released on October 16, the university detailed plans for these upgrades, which aim to boost hands-on learning opportunities and foster greater collaboration with regional partners.

This significant financial commitment will expand the building’s operational area by nearly 5,000 square feet, providing much-needed space for academic and research activities.

The planned improvements include the addition of three new wet lab areas, collectively known as the External Collaborative Applied Research Center (ECARC).

Dr. Scott McKay, USCA’s associate vice chancellor for research and strategic initiatives, emphasized the importance of these developments. “As USCA continues to grow its presence in science, cyber, and engineering fields, it is essential to meet the rising demand for wet lab collaborative research with regional industries and laboratories, particularly in materials and environmental sciences,” he stated. “Our current lab facilities are insufficient to expand collaborative projects in a chemical setting, which is crucial to accommodating the increasing workforce needs.”