Challenge

When Drexel University consolidated their science program from four different buildings into the newly constructed Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, they looked to Jackie Sweeney for coordination of the Drexel supplied items as well as relocation management. The ISB building was designed to serve as a hub for research with 44 shared research and teaching laboratories. Having shared laboratories meant a limitation on chemical storage and the need for a strategic occupancy plan.

Solution

Working with the Environmental Health & Safety department at Drexel University along with faculty and staff from the Biology Department a detailed logistics plan was created. The plan took into account equipment and laboratory decontamination by trained professionals, chemical packing, relocation and storage, not to mention live experiments that needed to be cared for and historic bones and models that needed to be relocated. Packing seminars and move coordination meetings were held with stakeholders representing each lab to communicate the plan and ensure a smooth transition. The move plan was executed over a six week period and the building was opened and ready for students on the first day of classes.

+The move was so much more complicated than just packing boxes. Jackie’s ability to strategically plan the complicated logistics made the transition to the new building completely seamless. Our operations were fully functioning within hours.

Aleister Saunders

Senior Vice Provost for Research Drexel University