Description of Request

Submitted By: Dr. David Dickensheets

The Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF) has requested additional space to support its growing teaching, research, and engagement missions. As a university core facility, MMF provides instructional laboratory space for multiple Electrical Engineering and Gallatin College courses, serving approximately 70–85 students annually, while also training and supervising approximately 20 undergraduate student employees who are integral to daily facility operations. The facility additionally supports research for faculty across multiple colleges, contributing to projects representing approximately $48 million in externally funded research, and provides services and outreach to regional businesses, schools, and industry partners.

The current student staff workspace in Cobleigh Hall (Room 540) is undersized for operational needs and will no longer be available beginning in Fall 2026, as the space has been designated for a new faculty research laboratory. To support continued operations, MMF is requesting office space to accommodate approximately 8–10 “hot desks” for student staff, temporary workspace for visiting users, and a dedicated meeting area that provides privacy for project discussions involving intellectual property.

With the relocation of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering to Barnard Hall during Summer 2026, vacated space in Roberts Hall presents an appropriate opportunity to meet these needs. Staff recommends assigning Roberts Hall rooms 214 and 216 for office and student staff workspace and room 213 as a meeting room, including a change in room use from office to meeting space. This solution provides appropriately sized accommodations for MMF operations while making effective use of space made available through the departmental relocation.

Resolution

Date: July 7, 2026

The Space Management Committee recommends approval of the allocation of Roberts 213, 214, and 216 for use by MMF.