University of Southeast Alaska Opens New Science Building: Áakʼw Tá Hít
The University of Southeast Alaska (UAS) is stoked to announce that its brand-spanking-new science building, Áakʼw Tá Hít, is just about ready for its grand debut! This place is gonna be lit for all you science nerds out there, with state-of-the-art everything. Get ready to hit the books (and the labs!) when it officially opens its doors in Fall !
And hey, the name’s not just some random jumble of letters. “Áakʼw Tá Hít” translates to “House at the Head of the Bay” in the native Lingít language, which is super fitting considering its killer location right on Auke Lake. Talk about a view, amirite?!
A Sneak Peek at Your Future Science Sanctuary
Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff – what’s this new building actually packing? Imagine this: you’re strolling up to this sleek, modern, two-story structure decked out in cool gray wood paneling – that’s Áakʼw Tá Hít. And trust me, it’s even cooler on the inside…
Location, Location, Location…
This place is all about convenience. Nestled right next door to the Anderson Building (you know, the one where all the biology action happens) and a hop, skip, and a jump from the main campus on the shores of Auke Lake, it’s basically prime real estate for all you science whizzes. No more trekking across campus between classes – everything you need is right here!
Exterior: Modern Vibes Meet Alaskan Charm
Okay, picture this: you’re walking up to this sleek, two-story building – that’s Áakʼw Tá Hít. The exterior is all modern and cool with gray wood paneling, giving off major Pacific Northwest vibes. And get this – it’s designed to blend right in with the natural beauty of Alaska!
Interior: Where Learning and Inspiration Collide
Step inside, and you’ll be blown away by how spacious and bright it is! Natural light floods in through huge windows, giving you epic views of Auke Bay and even Admiralty Island. And forget about stuffy, boring classrooms – Áakʼw Tá Hít is all about creating a space where learning feels effortless and fun.
Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you inside:
- Main Entrance/Lounge: This is THE spot to be. Picture a spacious hangout zone with comfy chairs and tables where you can chill with your classmates, cram for that upcoming exam, or just soak in the breathtaking views of Auke Bay and Admiralty Island through the massive picture window. Talk about a study break upgrade!
University of Southeast Alaska Opens New Science Building: Áakʼw Tá Hít
The University of Southeast Alaska (UAS) is stoked to announce that its brand-spanking-new science building, Áakʼw Tá Hít, is just about ready for its grand debut! This place is gonna be lit for all you science nerds out there, with state-of-the-art everything. Get ready to hit the books (and the labs!) when it officially opens its doors in Fall 2024!
And hey, the name’s not just some random jumble of letters. “Áakʼw Tá Hít” translates to “House at the Head of the Bay” in the native Lingít language, which is super fitting considering its killer location right on Auke Lake. Talk about a view, amirite?!
A Sneak Peek at Your Future Science Sanctuary
Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff – what’s this new building actually packing? Imagine this: you’re strolling up to this sleek, modern, two-story structure decked out in cool gray wood paneling – that’s Áakʼw Tá Hít. And trust me, it’s even cooler on the inside…
Location, Location, Location…
This place is all about convenience. Nestled right next door to the Anderson Building (you know, the one where all the biology action happens) and a hop, skip, and a jump from the main campus on the shores of Auke Lake, it’s basically prime real estate for all you science whizzes. No more trekking across campus between classes – everything you need is right here!
Exterior: Modern Vibes Meet Alaskan Charm
Okay, picture this: you’re walking up to this sleek, two-story building – that’s Áakʼw Tá Hít. The exterior is all modern and cool with gray wood paneling, giving off major Pacific Northwest vibes. And get this – it’s designed to blend right in with the natural beauty of Alaska!
Interior: Where Learning and Inspiration Collide
Step inside, and you’ll be blown away by how spacious and bright it is! Natural light floods in through huge windows, giving you epic views of Auke Bay and even Admiralty Island. And forget about stuffy, boring classrooms – Áakʼw Tá Hít is all about creating a space where learning feels effortless and fun.
Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you inside:
- Main Entrance/Lounge: This is THE spot to be. Picture a spacious hangout zone with comfy chairs and tables where you can chill with your classmates, cram for that upcoming exam, or just soak in the breathtaking views of Auke Bay and Admiralty Island through the massive picture window. Talk about a study break upgrade!
- Offices: Professors need their space too, right? You’ll find a whole row of faculty offices, including one belonging to the one and only Professor Eran Hood (environmental science rockstar!). There’s a separate wing for visiting faculty and administrators, so you know, important people stuff.
- Labs: Get ready to geek out! The labs in this place are next-level. We’re talking a hydrology research lab (Professor Hood’s old stomping grounds in Mendenhall Valley got a serious upgrade), a glaciology and drone research lab (because, Alaska!), and a bunch of flexible lab spaces that can adapt to whatever research tickles your fancy in the future. Oh, and did we mention each lab is decked out with all the latest and greatest equipment? Think benches, fume hoods, and enough storage space to satisfy even the most hardcore pack rat.
- Classrooms: Who says classrooms have to be boring? The smaller classroom on the top floor is perfect for those intimate classes with like, 20 students max. But if you’re in one of those huge intro classes, don’t worry – the downstairs seminar room can handle a whopping 40 students without breaking a sweat.
- Other Spaces: Because who doesn’t love bonus features? There’s a dedicated graduate student work area (no undergrads allowed!), storage galore on the lower level (hoarding research materials is encouraged!), and even a dive locker for all you marine biology and oceanography enthusiasts. Talk about being prepared!
Designed to Inspire and Connect
One thing you’ll notice about Áakʼw Tá Hít is how open and airy it feels. The architects were all about maximizing natural light, so get ready to soak up those vitamin D vibes while you study! And those stunning views we mentioned? They’re not just there to look pretty (although they totally are). The whole building is designed to connect you with the surrounding environment – think towering spruce trees and the mesmerizing waters of Auke Bay. It’s like learning in the heart of nature, without actually having to brave the elements. Win-win!
From Dream to Reality: How Áakʼw Tá Hít Came to Be
Okay, so we’ve established that Áakʼw Tá Hít is pretty much the coolest science building ever. But you might be wondering, how did this masterpiece come to be? Well, it all started back in 2016 with a dream… and a whole lotta cash.
Show Me the Money! Funding the Future of Science
Building a state-of-the-art science facility doesn’t come cheap, folks. We’re talking a cool $16.1 million to make this dream a reality. So, where did all that dough come from? Well, the University dipped into its own pockets (think existing budget and reserves earmarked for building makeovers), but the real MVP was the sale of the University bookstore building. That’s right, they basically traded textbooks for test tubes – and we gotta say, it was a pretty sweet deal!
The Long and Winding Road: Construction Timeline and Challenges
Remember how we mentioned this whole thing started back in 2016? Yeah, well, good things take time. The original plan was to have Áakʼw Tá Hít up and running a lot sooner, but then a little thing called COVID-19 decided to crash the party. The pandemic threw a wrench in the construction timeline, causing delays and pushing back the grand opening. But hey, better late than never, right? And besides, the anticipation just makes the final reveal even sweeter!
A Game-Changer for UAS: The Impact of Áakʼw Tá Hít
Okay, so we’ve covered the what, the where, and the how. Now let’s talk about the why. Why is Áakʼw Tá Hít such a big deal for UAS? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this building is about to change the game for environmental science education and research in Southeast Alaska.
United We Stand: Centralizing Science Departments
Remember those days of trekking across campus from one science class to another? Yeah, those days are over! Áakʼw Tá Hít is all about bringing previously scattered departments and labs together under one roof. Think of it like a science family reunion, but without the awkward small talk. This centralized location is gonna make collaboration so much easier, which means more opportunities for interdisciplinary studies and groundbreaking research.
Level Up: Enhanced Research Capabilities
Let’s be real, the old science labs at UAS were getting a little, shall we say, “vintage.” But with Áakʼw Tá Hít, it’s all about embracing the future! The new and improved lab facilities are like something out of a science fiction movie, equipped with all the latest gadgets and gizmos to take research to the next level. And the best part? Professor Hood is particularly stoked about having his office and lab right next door to each other. No more long commutes between mentoring students and conducting experiments – talk about efficiency!
The Future is Bright (and Sustainable): A Building Designed for Learning
Áakʼw Tá Hít isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also brainy! The building is designed to be super energy-efficient, with features like those huge windows (natural light, baby!) and sustainable materials that minimize its environmental impact. But it’s not all about being green – it’s about creating a learning environment that inspires and uplifts. From those breathtaking views to the comfy lounge areas, every detail is carefully considered to enhance the student experience. Trust us, you’ll actually WANT to spend time studying here!
The Grand Finale: Áakʼw Tá Hít Opens its Doors (and Labs!)
And there you have it – the inside scoop on Áakʼw Tá Hít, the University of Southeast Alaska’s shiny new science building! This place is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to the university’s commitment to providing students with a top-notch education and fostering cutting-edge research. So, mark your calendars for Fall 2024, because that’s when this science sanctuary officially opens its doors! Get ready to be amazed.