Purdue University Northwest has opened two upgraded classroom spaces for fall 2025.
A renovated microbiology lab space premiered on the first floor of the Technology Building on PNW’s Westville branch campus. The lab accommodates up to 24 students per session with fixed pod seating. Students majoring in disciplines with foundations in anatomy, physiology and life sciences can take advantage of the space.
“Through hands-on training in modern biology and lab skills, our students are prepared for roles right here in Northwest Indiana,” said José Sánchez, College of Engineering and Sciences dean, in a press release. “Local companies in health care, food production and agriculture depend on workers who understand microbiology, whether it is making sure our food supply is safe, testing water quality or supporting new advances in biotech.
New equipment includes a teaching microscope and an adjacent prep room with biosafety cabinets and fume hoods. Two exterior sides of the lab will feature large windowpanes, offering a open concept that puts science on display for students and campus visitors.
“This lab will allow PNW students to learn skills so they can step directly into the local workforce and contribute on day one,” Sánchez said. “It also helps area employers who need well-prepared graduates to stay competitive and keep our economy strong.”
On PNW’s Hammond campus, an expanded 44-person general computer lab space debuted on the second floor of the Donald S. Powers Building. The room features several rows of seating with high-powered computers, as well as several auxiliary presentation screens lining the room’s walls.
The computer lab space will be open to the needs of all academic disciplines across PNW. The space is expected to offer augmented resources for several growing programs centered on the study of computer science and engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
During summer 2026, PNW will complete the next phase of renovations for the Classroom Office Building first floor to develop a Student Success Hub. The space will bring together offices and staff from Advising and the Career Center, alongside presently located offices for Educational Opportunity Programs and Student Life to create a one-stop shop for PNW students.
