The goal of this project is to renovate and consolidate engineering research laboratories and related facilities in Goddard Hall, a 81 year old facility, on the campus of New Mexico State University. The modernized space will be used to consolidate the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department s strong communications, telemetry and electro-optics research program, currently dispersed throughout three different buildings. Present conditions of laboratories, dedicated to research activities, are poorly configured and inappropriate to support the rapid growth of research and research training activities that are occurring in the discipline. In addition to modernizing research space, ARI funds will be used to upgrade infrastructural utilities including: power, communication, security and HVAC systems. Improved upgrades will provide adequate cooling capacity for computer equipment throughout the year and computer linkages within the research space. Research currently not feasible will be enabled upon completion of the project. Benefits will include: synergy among research faculty and students, ability to share equipment among users, and improved network capabilities, providing more effective student training on computing hardware. Due to the large population of minorities in the state, it is anticipated that the project will have an impact on engaging more minority students in engineering. Coupled with the coordinated efforts through the NSF s Alliance for Minority Participation and the Research Improvement in Minority Institutions Programs, the number of underrepresented minorities entering science based professions will increase.
