Phase "A-1" is nearly complete, and by early May the first three parts of the project will be in place on University property. But this isn't a doomsday weapon or a plot to overthrow the government -- it's the plan for the University's Research Park.

Construction of the first three buildings in the park is scheduled to end late this semester with the opening of the Penn State Scanticon Conference Center/Hotel and the Materials Research Building.

The first building in the project, the Technology Center, has been open since early October and now is home to, among others, the University's Intellectual Property Office and the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County.

"The commitment the University made is important," said Fred Meade, the park's marketing director.

Meade said the University is tied closely to the park through the park's management board, chaired by University President Joab Thomas. This makes it easier for the park to merge corporate businesses with University research.

The optimistic outlook for the park is matched only by the size of the facility itself. Scanticon will be one of the largest conference centers in the area, Meade said.

"As I understand it, it is the largest banquet facility between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh," he said.

David Shirley, senior vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School, said he believes the park will live up to all the hopes.

"I expect for students it's going to afford the opportunity to do research in various contexts," he said.

Shirley said there should also be job opportunities for students, particularly in research capacities in the Materials Research Building.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity out here," said Jim Fairbank (graduate-management), who has been working in the University's Industrial Research Office since the beginning of last semester.

Fairbank is researching how U.S. companies can better use technology developed in other areas of society, such as the defense industry, to help improve their performance in the world market.

The meshing of fields such as business and engineering is evident in the concept of the park, he said, adding, "it really works on those interfaces."

Most University officials seem to agree that students will find uses for the park facilities. Jack Yost, associate vice president for research and technology transfer, said the park's corporate ties could definitely benefit students.

"It certainly offers opportunities to support and assist graduate students," he said.