As construction continues on NC State’s Integrative Sciences Building, campus moves closer to having a new $180 million, 153,000-square-foot space to host a new unite a dynamic community of interdisciplinary scholars committed to developing molecular solutions that address society’s most pressing human, animal and plant health challenges. The building will include teaching and student research spaces and cutting-edge core labs, turbocharging NC State’s ability to create and visualize new kinds of molecules and put them to use in novel technologies.

Two leaders on the project are CCEE grads — Lynch Mykins CEO Anna Lynch (Master of Engineering, 2009) and VHB Engineering’s Katie Haney (BSCE 2020). The two spoke about their experience at NC State and their involvement in the project.

Anna Lynch

How did you come to your position at Lynch Mykins?

In 2003 I moved to Raleigh from Wyoming to start as a structural engineer at Stroud Pence (which later became Lynch Mykins). Over my 21 years here I’ve worked hard to progress from design engineer to project engineer, to project manager, to principal, to managing director, to CEO! I have held almost every position in the firm, so I understand our business inside and out.  I would say I got to the CEO role because of my grit and perseverance.

What is your role in the development of the Integrative Sciences Building?

Lynch Mykins was the structural engineer of record on the Integrative Sciences Building. Our designs ensure this building will stand up for years to come!

What has your experience been like working on a project housed at your alma mater?

We love working with NC State and this project was no different. Many of our Lynch Mykins staff attended NC State, so it makes us proud to bring beautiful buildings and growth to such a wonderfully supportive university!  Honestly, the staff fights over NC State projects — isn’t it always your dream to work on projects at your alma mater?

What makes the Integrative Sciences Building unique, and what are you most proud of with this project?

Not only is ISB an amazingly beautiful building, but it’s right in the Brickyard! As an engineer and an NC State alum, it’s exciting to think that ISB could be one of the first buildings a prospective NC State student will see and help shape their experience of the campus. If I’d seen it as a young engineer, I would definitely have chosen NC State!

Katie Haney

How did you come to your position at VHB?

Post college, I immediately started my career at a company that was mainly focused on residential. I wanted to expand my experience and gain knowledge related to different types of projects. Transitioning to VHB has provided me with several opportunities to work on a team of resilient, efficient engineers and designers with projects that include residential, institutional, and commercial.

What is your role in the development of the Integrative Sciences Building?

I have been able to help with the design of stormwater and sewer on-site. I was also able to perform a handful of site inspections during the construction of the Integrative Sciences Building.

What has your experience been like working on a project housed at your alma mater?

I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a great team working on the Integrative Sciences Building. All of my classes were located in Mann Hall, so to see something new and unique come to the main campus is exciting for how this will shape our current and future NC State community.

What makes the Integrative Sciences Building unique, and what are you most proud of with this project?

The Integrative Sciences Building is unique with increasing the relationship between research and teaching within all five floors. The Integrative Sciences First Year Program will be the beginning of NC State’s goal of transforming the educational and research environment for students. Throughout college, you learn fundamentals and skills with how to succeed in the real world. I am most proud to utilize the knowledge I have gained throughout my classes from professors at NC State with the design of the utilities on site.

A version of this story was published in Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost News.