The Launchpad for Innovation
This new science and technology center supports Rider University’s mission to deliver hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Mike & Patti Hennessey Science & Technology Center
Lawrenceville, NJ
Rider University is committed to creating transformational educational experiences that prepare students for today’s evolving workforce. As part of a long-term campus enhancement plan focused on experiential learning, the university identified the need for a facility that would support its growing science and technology programs while fostering greater collaboration between students and faculty.
The Mike & Patti Hennessey Science & Technology Center is the first project completed under this strategic plan. The 9,500-square-foot addition introduces a dynamic mix of specialized labs and flexible learning environments tailored to emerging disciplines.
The first floor includes a new greenhouse, cybersecurity lab, software engineering lab, and the university’s first anatomy and physiology lab—specifically designed to support dissection, group work, and active learning. On the second floor, a hybrid artificial intelligence lab and maker space provide students with room to prototype, experiment, and engage in team-based projects.
The facility’s open layout with clustered seating, writable walls, and informal gathering areas encourages connection, creativity, and exploration.
The center enhances Rider’s academic offerings while reinforcing its commitment to student success—equipping learners with the tools and spaces they need to thrive in STEM fields and beyond.
