Faculty Research and Support

Wesleyan faculty teach students to transform ideas into new possibilities for understanding and acting in the world. From ground-breaking research in the sciences, to innovative new creations in the arts and humanities, to critical investigation of the world in the social sciences, teacher-scholars nurture students’ unbridled curiosity, working side-by-side with them to push boundaries and embrace the constant evolution of their fields. Wesleyan’s faculty are at the core of our mission. We are investing in opportunities to support them and foster new research and innovative teaching among scholars at all levels.

Renovated Public Affairs Center and New Art Gallery

The new social science center, and adjoining art gallery, will meet the needs of Wesleyan’s students and faculty well into the future. The renovated building, which is nearly 20 percent larger than the previous space, doubles the available classroom space so that students have more room to work together in teams and groups. With a sun-drenched entrance hall on the first floor that includes a café, students and faculty have a place to talk between classes, hold discussion groups, or gather for receptions. A new 1,000 square foot art gallery will seamlessly connect the new social science center with Olin Library, inviting people into the space and allowing for easy access to Wesleyan’s great collections.

Molecular Life Sciences Building

In our unique position – between small college and big research university – Wesleyan undergraduates have unprecedented research opportunities to produce scientific work at the highest level. Students learn to forge new connections among research fields, leading them to the forefront of discoveries made at the intersections of scientific disciplines. To keep pushing scientific boundaries, we are building a state-of-the-art science facility. The new molecular life sciences building, which will house biology, chemistry, and molecular biology & biochemistry, will include modern labs to support faculty-student research collaborations, as well as informal learning spaces to promote learning outside the classroom.

Wesleyan Arts Innovation Lab

When completed, the Wesleyan Arts Innovation Lab will be an exciting nexus for the arts—a social space that encourages community, collaboration, and conversation. 56 Hamlin Street, which will house this new facility, is one of the oldest remaining domestic-scale industrial buildings in Middletown with earliest construction dating to 1850. We are reimagining this historic structure into a dynamic new facility featuring unique performance, teaching, and studio space, which will help to relieve pressure on existing arts facilities. Open, collaborative community areas and a black-box theater will support the interdisciplinary exploration of new ideas.