Florida Atlantic University Opens Marine Science Education Building

Florida Atlantic University, in joint venture with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, has opened the 40,000-sf Marine Science Education Building in Fort Pierce, Fla. The $11-million facility is sited near Harbor Branch’s campus and is owned by the University. The public-private partnership will provide space for biological, chemical, and marine science research in order to develop pharmaceutical products from marine organisms. The facility includes a conference area and laboratories with autoclave fermentation technology. Classrooms will accommodate instruction in marine biology, marine science, marine biotechnology, natural resources, and environmental education. Designed by the Miami branch of Perkins + Will, the project began construction in spring of 2005 and was completed in early summer of 2006. The general contractor was James A. Cummings of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.