Updated biology and computer lab spaces open during fall 2025
José Sánchez, dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences at PNW, delivers remarks during a celebratory opening of a renovated microbiology lab in the Technology Building on PNW’s Westville campus. The state-of-the-art space will provide students with enhanced learning opportunities for academic majors and future careers based in anatomy, physiology, life sciences and more.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has opened two upgraded classroom spaces for fall 2025, providing students across several disciplines with high-quality amenities to enhance their learning experiences.
A renovated microbiology lab space premiered on the first floor of the Technology Building on PNW’s Westville branch campus. The spacious lab accommodates up to 24 students per session with fixed pod seating. Students majoring in disciplines with foundations in anatomy, physiology and life sciences can expect to take advantage of the space.
State-of-the-art equipment will include a teaching microscope and an adjacent prep room with biosafety cabinets and fume hoods. Two exterior sides of the lab will feature large windowpanes, offering a modern open concept that puts “science on display” for students and campus visitors alike.
This lab will allow PNW students to learn skills so they can step directly into the local workforce and contribute on day one. It also helps area employers who need well-prepared graduates to stay competitive and keep our economy strong.
José Sánchez, dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences
“Through hands-on training in modern biology and lab skills, our students are prepared for roles right here in Northwest Indiana,” said José Sánchez, dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences. “Local companies in health care, food production and agriculture depend on workers who understand microbiology, whether it is making sure our food supply is safe, testing water quality or supporting new advances in biotech.
“This lab will allow PNW students to learn skills so they can step directly into the local workforce and contribute on day one. It also helps area employers who need well-prepared graduates to stay competitive and keep our economy strong.”
PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford, center left, and PNW alumna Carol Abshire, center right, jointly cut a ribbon as they celebrate the opening of a renovated microbiology lab in the Technology Building on PNW’s Westville campus. Also pictured in the ribbon cutting are, from left, PNW alumna Dominique Edwards; José Sánchez, dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences at PNW; and Katie Holderby, director of Alumni Engagement at PNW.
On PNW’s Hammond campus, an expanded 44-person general computer lab space debuted on the second floor of the Donald S. Powers Building. The room features several rows of seating with high-powered computers, as well as several auxiliary presentation screens lining the room’s walls.
The computer lab space will be open to the needs of all academic disciplines across PNW. The space is expected to particularly offer augmented resources for several popular and growing programs centered on the study of computer science and engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The updated microbiology and computer lab spaces are partially funded through the generosity of university donors who wish to remain anonymous.
Horacio John Sori, left, joins PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford for a celebratory ribbon cutting of a renovated computer lab space in the Donald S. Powers Building on PNW’s Hammond campus. The high-powered computer lab will serve students in multiple disciplines at PNW, particularly those in computer-focused majors.
In fall 2026, PNW expects to open Calumet Hall, which will provide 150 beds through a combination of single and double-occupancy rooms, as well as a common kitchen, laundry facilities, student study areas and a student lounge.
Also, during summer 2026, PNW will complete the next phase of renovations for the Classroom Office Building first floor to develop a Student Success Hub. The space will bring together offices and staff from Advising and the Career Center, alongside presently located offices for Educational Opportunity Programs and Student Life, to create a one-stop shop for PNW students’ success and belonging.