New data lab advances environmental right-to-know through real-time monitoring and public health innovation
Pace University today celebrated the ribbon cutting and official inauguration of the Gale Epstein Center for Technology, Policy and the Environment at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, marking a significant expansion of the University’s leadership in environmental technology and policy innovation.
The ceremony formally launched the Center’s enhanced data laboratory, which will monitor environmental conditions throughout the region, and promote policy reforms that will assure the public’s right-to-know the quality of the water they drink. Along with an expansive technology lab on the Hudson, the launch signals the next phase of the Center’s mission as a regional innovation hub dedicated to advancing real-time technologies that will advance innovations in information systems and related policy reforms for the protection of human and environmental health.
Made possible by a transformative gift from New York City philanthropist and business leader Gale Epstein, the Center builds upon the success of Seidenberg’s Blue CoLab and expands its work in real-time water monitoring and environmental information systems. Its guiding principle is that informed decision-making about public health requires access to timely, accurate information about environmental conditions.
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“The Gale Epstein Center represents innovation with purpose,” said Pace University President Marvin Krislov. “We are deeply grateful to Gale for her vision and generosity in making this Center possible. By integrating technology, data science, and policy leadership, the Center strengthens our ability to protect communities and prepare students to solve urgent environmental and public health challenges.”
A central focus of the Center’s work is the development of real-time sensing and alert systems, including drinking water monitoring technologies designed to provide early detection of contamination events. In addition, through applied research, artificial intelligence machine learning applications and experiential learning opportunities, students collaborate with faculty to design and analyze environmental monitoring across the Hudson River region.
Executive Director John Cronin said early warning systems are critical to protecting public health.
“Whether encountering drinking water contamination, climate-related emergencies or emerging pollutants, the public should be alerted to environmental threats immediately,” Cronin said. “The Gale Epstein Center provides the tools and training capacity to develop real-time technologies that will make such warning systems a reality.”
Epstein said the Center reflects a shared commitment to empowering communities through access to environmental information.
“Access to accurate, timely environmental information is essential for the protection of public health,” Epstein said. “I am proud our Center combines technology, education and policy to serve and protect the public good.”
Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, interim dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, said the Center expands opportunities for students to apply emerging technologies to real-world environmental challenges.
“This initiative reflects Seidenberg’s commitment to experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration,” Chen said. “Students gain hands-on experience in data analytics, real-time systems and technology policy while contributing to solutions that protect the environment and communities.”
Silas Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in computer science and law, said the Center has shaped both his academic and professional goals.
“From the moment I began working here, I felt this was where I belonged,” Gonzalez said. “The faculty challenge and support us, and through initiatives like the United Nations Millennium Fellowship, I’ve seen how technology and environmental science can work together to build a better future.”
The Center operates a multidisciplinary program of innovation, training, research and policymaking. Students engage in coursework in real-time instrumentation, technology policy and data analytics, with hands-on learning at Choate Pond, the Ossining Real-Time Tech Hub and regional monitoring sites connected to the Hudson River estuary. Collaborations across the university — including Dyson College’s Environmental Studies and Science Department, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and the NYC Design Factory — support the Center’s academic and policy initiatives.
In addition to Epstein and Pace leaders, in attendance at Monday’s grand opening were faculty, students, alumni, and supporters of the Center. Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, who represents the Pleasantville campus in the New York State Legislature, was also present for the opening of the lab. A reception followed the ceremony, where guests toured the data laboratory and met with faculty and student researchers.
About Pace University
Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.
