Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy serves and mistress of ceremony for the 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center Grand Opening. Photo Credit: UVI
The 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center is now open on the St. Thomas campus of the University of the Virgin Islands.
The center, according to University President Dr. David Hall, is meant to “help students, faculty and the community to be the architects of those next generations of technology.” Named after St. Thomas-based global research firm 13D Research and Strategy, a major philanthropic partner of the university, the center is meant to be the manifestation of the institution’s “Greatness Through Innovation” strategic plan.
The $3 million, 18,000 foot Innovation Center currently houses the university’s Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (CELL) Culinary Arts program, and its aviation simulation training program. Its tenants are expected to now include business and technology startups, a creativity and innovation laboratory, an artificial intelligence room, technology lecture space, classrooms, conference rooms, and office space as well.
13D Research and Strategy founder Kiril Sokoloff says that he was “extremely excited” about and “deeply proud” of the additional opportunity to help the university and the community. “With the combination of the entrepreneurship program and the Innovation Center, I truly believe we will see some amazing and hopeful progress in our community,” he said.
UVI master of ceremonies for the center’s grand opening, Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, was the first dean of innovation and student success and was instrumental in bringing the Innovation Center to life. “I want the dreamers and the idea authors to look at this space and know that they can literally and physically make their dreams come true,”she said.
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