University of San Diego to Construct STEM Facility

The University of San Diego will build a 70,000-square-foot STEM facility after a $75 million donation from Darlene Shiley, establishing the Shiley Stem Initiative to expand research and scholarships. The project aims to bolster USD’s STEM programs, which have seen a 50% increase in student enrollment since 2013, and align with San Diego’s growing biotech sector." "article": "The University of San Diego (USD) announced plans to construct a three-story, 70,000-square-foot STEM facility following a $75 million donation from Darlene Shiley. The new building will house labs for biomedical engineering, medical device prototyping, and robotics research, alongside specialized spaces like an immersive visualization room, optics lab, and environmental lab. The donation also establishes the Shiley Stem Initiative, which will fund undergraduate research scholarships and fellowships while potentially introducing new majors, minors, and certificate programs. USD President James Harris III emphasized the initiative’s role in elevating the university’s STEM programs, noting its alignment with San Diego’s expanding biotech industry. The region has seen a 77% increase in STEM jobs from 1990 to 2020, according to a University of California, San Diego report. USD’s engineering program is already ranked 14th nationally among non-doctoral institutions by U.S. News & World Report. The Shiley Stem Initiative will address both student demand and workforce needs, as USD has observed a 50% rise in STEM major enrollment since 2013. Darlene Shiley’s support reflects her belief in the region’s potential for engineering innovation. Construction on the facility is set to begin, with plans to create a hub for future scientists, engineers, and industry leaders in the community.