Western Coatings Technology Center Project Description

The Western Coatings Technology Center , to be housed within the forthcoming Center for Science and Mathematics, is the result of the academic programs and research at Cal Poly that have been so invaluable to industry. The WCTC will allow for an improved educational and research environment, while offering our corporate partners opportunities for regional conferences, short courses, and sponsored research. The future of the Center will include internet-based virtual training and teaching programs that are accessible to a global audience.

The Western Coatings Technology Center is last of three major steps in the continued growth of the Polymers and Coatings Science Program at Cal Poly. The first component was the 1999 creation and funding of the position of Arthur C. Edwards Endowed Chair for Coatings Technology and Ecology. Dr. Ray Fernando was named chair in 2002, and his work continues to build international recognition for the program as he strengthens Cal Poly’s relationship with industry via sponsored research, on-site technological seminars, and annual on-campus short courses. In addition, Dr. Fernando continues to work with graduate and undergraduate students to find exceptional opportunities for internships with industry and expanded sponsored research.

The second step in the program was realized in 2000 with the Bill Moore Coatings Research Fellowships. Established with a lead gift from the Kelly-Moore Paint Company, the graduate fellowships now provide over $15,000 in annual support.

With its state-of-the-art research facilities for students and faculty members, the Western Coatings Technology Center will be the final step in the creation of the Polymers and Coatings Science Program. The Center will allow for the expansion of current creative research on polymers, while greatly enhancing opportunities for sponsored research with our corporate partners. Well-designed, technology-intensive environments will provide the necessary facilities for research projects of any scale. In addition, the WCTC will feature a testing center, polymer synthesis laboratory, coatings formulation facilities, project research laboratories, office space, and a conference room.