June 7, 2021
A new, two-story addition to The University of Alabama Student Health Center will allow for expanded clinical services provided to students to better support the UA student population. The project includes new provider offices, exam rooms and other support functions.
The Student Health Center is part of the UA College of Community Health Sciences, which also operates University Medical Center.
UA’s student population has grown significantly since the construction of the Student Health Center in 2005. The expansion will also provide a better patient flow and experience for students.
The project will also boost UA’s research capabilities through a new MRI suite that will allow University researchers to extensively explore the human body, with a special emphasis on the brain and neuroscience. The suite will include the MRI room, shell space for a future MRI scanner and support areas.
Through a $1.7 million major research instrumentation grant from the National Science Foundation, UA will purchase a Siemens 3.0 Tesla MAGNETOM Prisma MRI scanner, MRI compatible eye-tracker and participant response system for the study of brain systems supporting various aspects of human behavior and cognitive function.
“The University of Alabama is recognized as a top-tier research institution, and we have a growing concentration of neuroimaging and neuroscience researchers at UA,” said Dr. Russell Mumper, vice president for research and economic development. “An MRI scanner on campus is essential for the successful execution of several funded research projects and will allow faculty the capability to pursue future projects.”
The Student Health Center addition is expected to be completed in August 2022.
