Progress Updates

July 2023 - New renderings of Phase Two

The 124,000-square-foot Gateway to Engineering will reinvent how Ohio State inspires and educates future Buckeye engineers, and feature modern, efficient spaces for 21st century teaching and research.

Collage of four BMEC Phase 2 renderings
Collage of four BMEC Phase 2 renderings

September 2022 - Knowlton Foundation gives $15M to Phase Two

Continuing its namesake’s commitment to education and to his alma mater, the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation has donated $15 million to finalize design and construction of The Ohio State University’s Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex (BMEC). The gift will support construction of the second and final phase of BMEC, located on the corner of Woodruff Avenue and College Road. BMEC’s first phase, named Mars G. Fontana Laboratories, was completed in the summer of 2020. Bringing together the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Fontana Labs showcases teaching and research happening in the heart of Ohio State’s Columbus campus, while inspiring life-saving, unprecedented advances in the rapidly growing field of biomaterials.

Read full article.

Fontana Labs exterior facing southeast

 


February 2021 - BMEC Phase Two gets green light

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees authorized the university to enter and increase professional service and construction contracts for the completion of BMEC. Phase One of the Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex—the university’s investment in next-generation materials research, development and experiential learning—was completed in summer 2020. Bringing together the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Phase One showcases the exceptional teaching and research happening in the heart of Ohio State’s Columbus campus, while inspiring life-saving, unprecedented advances in the rapidly growing field of biomaterials. Read full article.


August 2020 - Mars G. Fontana Labs renovation is complete!

Watch this video to learn more and see inside.


September 2019 - Phase one of BMEC renovation named to honor Mars Fontana

Widely regarded as the father of modern corrosion engineering, Mars Fontana (1910-1988) was one of the world's pioneers in research establishing basic scientific knowledge of the phenomenon of corrosion and its applications in engineering. In addition to his noteworthy technical achievements—including election to the National Academy of Engineering in 1967—Fontana was an outstanding administrator and stimulating teacher. Read full article


September 15, 2019 - Right on Schedule

Students, staff and faculty gathered on Sunday, September 5, to celebrate the new facility with a hard hat tour through BMEC Phase One— the Mars G. Fontana Laboratories—to learn about the project. These were the first students to tour the facility, which will become their home in autumn 2020.

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May 1, 2019 - Signing the Beam!

Students, staff, faculty and leadership of the College of Engineering celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of the Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex by signing the final I-beam to be installed in Phase One. Hundreds of Buckeye Engineers participated in the opportunity, joined by Dean Williams.

Dean signing beam

November 6, 2018 - The Dean celebrates the Ground Breaking!

College of Engineering Dean David B. Williams was joined by President Drake and Provost McPheron to officially break ground for the Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex!

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August 15, 2018 - Construction Begins!

Construction for the Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex has officially begun! The first visible sign of progress involved the demolition of the former Unit Op Labs, in preparation for the new build facility for Phase One.

Koffolt Unit Ops demolition

 

BMEC News

Celebrating the future "Gateway to Engineering"
Biomedical engineers aim to improve treatment of military and civilian eye injuries
Fontana Laboratories: a milestone in discovery and innovation
Renovation for collaboration
Former Dean David B. Williams and Margie Williams honored with named space
BMEC Phase Two gets green light