The open space in front of the new Northern Kentucky University Dorothy Westerman Hermann Science Center. A lawn with walking areas in between sit in front of the new center with trees all around providing shade.
Northern Kentucky University is expanding the Dorothy Westerman Hermann Science Center to accommodate the rising interest in STEM-related studies. The renovation will inspire interdisciplinary collaboration and open doors for improved research. Photo credit: Omni Architects
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STEM Interest Inspires $86 Million Expansion at Northen Kentucky University

School News

By Fay Harvey听

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. 鈥 Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has officially broken ground on an expansion project that will add 85,400 square feet to the Dorothy Westerman Hermann Science Center. University leaders and stakeholders held a ceremony on Oct. 30 to celebrate the project. 听

The $86 million expansion will enhance both lab resources and research centers while prioritizing collaboration. The building will house academic programs and STEM-focused disciplines within one state-of-the-art building. In addition to the new construction,19,000 square feet of the existing science center will also be renovated. The large public entrance will be made into a plaza, and the lobby will be a two-story atrium.听

The project was largely driven by increased student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematic programs. The Hermann Science Center initially opened in 2002, and since then student interest in STEM-focused programs has steadily risen by 50%. 听

鈥淭he new facility will provide our natural sciences and engineering technology programs with a competitive edge, supporting our growing enrollment in these critical fields while allowing us to continue to provide an accessible and high-quality education for all,鈥 said Cady Short-Thompson, NKU president in a statement to the university鈥檚 website. 鈥淚t underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in STEM+Health education and research, positioning NKU as a regional leader in innovation, workforce alignment and academic achievement.鈥澨听

The added space will physically accommodate growing enrollment in science-related studies by implementing new technology, upgraded instrumentation and offering a centralized environment for cross-disciplinary studies from biology to mathematics. Seven new labs with computing and engineering capabilities will be included in the project as well as labs focusing on anatomy and physiology to support pre-medicine and health studies. Geological sciences will also be receiving two new and expanded labs for their studies. Open lounge and study spaces will be accessible on every floor of the new space, and student advising will be supported through the addition of more than 50 faculty and student advising offices.听

The new facility also opens doors for an increase in external research funding and networking capabilities by way of the location鈥檚 close proximity to the Norse Network Hub, a resource center intended to connect students and greater community in leveraging partnerships and opportunity. 听

Approximately $79.9 million of the project budget comes from a capital investment approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in the 2022-2024 biennial budget. An additional $6 million is being provided by the 2022 General Assembly as part of asset preservation funds.听听

Design on the project is being led by Lexington, Ky.-based Omni Architects, the same firm that originally designed the Hermann Science Center in 1997. Skanska USA Building Inc, will manage construction. The addition is expected to be completed by spring 2027. 听