By Barry

Pitt Community College broke ground today for a 75,000-square-foot, $16 million science and technology training facility that will include a biotechnology center. “It’s going to be the largest building on our campus,” said PCC President G. Dennis Massey. “It’s timely, too, based on what is taking place in Pitt County and the region with regard to business growth in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.” The building, designed by JKF Architecture’s John Farkas will include 10 classrooms, 11 labs, a biotechnology center, a 120-seat auditorium, a STEM learning center and a science tutorial center. The facilities will...

When Ben Bahr, Ph.D., was recruited to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2009 as the inaugural William C. Friday Distinguished Chair and Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, much was expected. The newly created position was charged with advancing biotechnology research and education at the university and spurring economic development in southeastern North Carolina. In the six years since his arrival from the University of Connecticut, Bahr has by all accounts earned a robust return on the state’s investment. He is aiming to test a compound he discovered that may help clear the tangle of toxic...

Editor’s note: Barry H. Beith, Ph.D., is president and CEO of HumanCentric Technologies, Inc. CARY, N.C – In May, a conference was held in Washington, DC, focusing on designing the home as a healthcare venue. Co-sponsored by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), the conference brought together approximately 75 professionals in the fields of human factors, ergonomics, industrial design, graphic design, architecture, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and home healthcare services and equipment. What became readily apparently from this conference is the desperate need for attention to address what is clearly...