Modernization Project

Accent Wall by Elevators

Right off the bat we're starting with an accent wall with posters, soon to be framed, representing the research areas in the Department. This wall will be accompanied by faculty, postdoc, student, and staff photos on three framed art boards. We're introducing color and bold visuals to match the kind of research being done and to give the space some energy.

We feel that by improving the visual feeling of the space, we will improve the mood of people in our department and help to attract and retain speakers, faculty, and students. This is the first impression. This sets the tone as soon as the elevator doors open. We will also add new signs for the wayfinding and a board with the name of the department.

Main Lobby

The previous version of the lobby had oversized furniture that didn't really fit the space. It was difficult to sit together with others and collaborate. We have moved the furniture to the Graduate Lounge.

We now have more modern, durable furniture that fits the space. The furniture can be easily moved around and the end tables can be placed over the end or in the middle of a sofa for laptops and coffee. They can also double as a foot rest or makeshift table. The love seat and sofa are a little firm, but these will soften over time.

The wall above the orange chairs, which are on wheels, will highlight student research and have additional information for EGSA.

The wall above the "Classic Granny Smith Apple" sofa will display a mural representing the research performed in the Department.

Digital Signage

We have added a 75" Sony Bravia UHD Display to the wall outside of the 504 Conference Room. The display has rotating images with pertinent information about speakers, events, and relevant semester-driven happenings. We also display the current schedule for both conference rooms.

Tori Siegle (vms5341@psu.edu) and Michael Tribone (mat141@psu.edu) can be contacted to display pictures and content on the display. Thanks to Ryan Golas and Preston Goss for coordinating and pricing the equipment and necessary work to get the unit installed and operable.

Student Seating

The previous seating area furniture was more conducive for office use than for eating and studying.

The furniture and tables were updated to match the lobby furniture and are more suited to eating, studying, and collaborating. The chairs are dining chairs and are quite comfy.

Graduate Student Lounge

The previous Graduate Student Lounge was really a suite of offices that at one time or another had been a project area. The grad students needed a place to call their own to study, rest, collaborate, eat, and work. Two cubicles on the back wall really weren't being used for people or projects and took up quite a bit of space.

The new and improved Graduate Student Lounge is a spacious place for people to stretch out, hang out, collaborate, work, and/or study– as can been seen by Marcus' studious effort.

Admin Office

The Admin Office is in the process of being updated. We have removed the old, dusty, mauve blinds and replaced them with frosted window cling. The 5th floor has also been updated with new plaques that can be easily updated by office staff. We are also updating the look-and-feel of the office. We will have that update as part of another newsletter.   

In the Works

Most of the Modernization Project during the Spring semester involved items related to acquiring, assembling, and removing furniture. We will be working on the graphic design portion of the project for Fall semester.

• Directory photos back on the wall
• Posters representing our research areas
• Mural for above the green sofa in the lobby
• Student Research Highlight above the orange chairs in the lobby.
• Evolution of Arthropoda exhibition by Harland Patch and Andy Deans back up on the wall in front of the Admin Office
• History of the Department posters on the wall between 504 and 501
• Kicking around the idea of having a wall dedicated to alumni based on an idea from John Tooker.