Pace University has officially opened the Gale Epstein Center for Technology, Policy and the Environment at its Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. The new center aims to advance environmental monitoring and public health innovation through technology.
The inauguration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by university leaders, faculty, students, alumni, supporters, and Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky. The Center’s data laboratory will monitor environmental conditions across the region and promote policy reforms to ensure public access to water quality information.
The Center is funded by a gift from philanthropist Gale Epstein. It expands on the work of Seidenberg’s Blue CoLab in real-time water monitoring and environmental information systems. Its mission is to provide timely, accurate data for informed decision-making about public health.
“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 major focus is developing real-time sensing and alert systems for early detection of water contamination events. Students collaborate with faculty on research projects using artificial intelligence and machine learning applications related to environmental monitoring in the Hudson River region.
Executive Director John Cronin emphasized the importance of early warning systems: “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 highlighted the center’s commitment: “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, interim dean of Seidenberg School, described how students benefit from experiential learning: “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.”
Sophomore Silas Gonzalez shared his perspective: “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 programs in innovation, training, research, policymaking, coursework in instrumentation and analytics at locations such as Choate Pond and regional sites connected to the Hudson River estuary. It collaborates with other university departments including Dyson College’s Environmental Studies program, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, and NYC Design Factory.
Pace University was founded in 1906; it serves over 13,600 students across multiple campuses in New York City and Westchester County through various academic schools.
The Seidenberg School is one of the first comprehensive computing schools in the country with undergraduate and graduate programs focused on areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, offering students practical experiences through partnerships with industry leaders.
