The Start of a New Era

Ball State Biology and Chemistry students who spent long hours in the Cooper Science Building know that the new Foundational Sciences Building (FB) is a dream come true. Shiny and brand new, the 206,500 square foot building is located on the East Quad–southeast side of campus, right outside of the village. Our students enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, 72 labs, aquatics and imaging suites, and the most breathtaking views on campus.

The Foundational Sciences Building was designed with the student in mind, maximizing every square inch for learning and collaboration. The building is peppered with modern areas that have comfortable seating, beautiful scenery, and education-enhancing resources, like rolling whiteboards and interactive screens. For students who formerly attended classes in Cooper Science, this new experience is a significant and exciting upgrade.

 

For students and faculty alike, the consensus is clear: FB is a phenomenal place. Senior biology major, Sydney Nolan, said “While I did enjoy being a student in Cooper for my first three years of college because of its character, it definitely feels like a fresh start being a student in FB.” She praised the new building’s numerous study areas and windows, which bring in plenty of natural light.

“I like that there are so many options on places to do my homework in between classes, or even just as an alternative study place to the library,” Nolan said. “Cooper severely lacked anywhere for students to do homework or study together outside of a classroom or anywhere to go in between classes. Additionally, [FB] is just a refreshing environment compared to Cooper, as it’s a lot brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming.”

Sophomore Seth McKinney loves the new lab rooms and the abundance of areas to study and hangout when not in class. “The new building has a much brighter atmosphere than Cooper which is conducive to learning, also it’s nice to have drawers in the lab rooms that actually open,” McKinney said. The stunning new laboratories give students plenty of space to work, study, learn, and collaborate.

“This new building is worlds better than Cooper Science,” said Dr. Jess Ward. “I love how light and bright it is, which makes a difference and affects everyone’s moods. FB brought a new life to the sciences at Ball State. It’s a very pleasant place to be during the day.”

Steve Doll, a junior Biology major loves the many comfortable spots for students to study and relax. “I really like how spacious and open everything is. The new building feels more inviting and I like how everything feels “new,” it’s really exciting,” Doll said.

“Cooper has a lot of sentimental value to me–it’s where I took some of my first courses and started getting involved with The Wildlife Society,” Doll reminisces. “FB is still going through a lot of transitions, but I look forward to finishing up my undergrad experience there.”

The Cooper Science Building, however, is not going away. It will have a glow up of its own, as it soon undergoes a major $60 million renovation, set to finish in April 2023. The building, which currently includes a rooftop observatory, the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, and a weather station, will still be home to the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Geography and Meteorology.