Michelson Hall laboratory named in memory of USC Viterbi executive vice dean
John O’Brien worked for nearly a decade to plan the state-of-the-art facility, part of the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience
A state-of-the-art engineering lab inside USC’s new Michelson Hall has been named in honor of John O’Brien, the executive vice dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering who died unexpectedly in March.
The John D. O’Brien Nanofabrication Lab was dedicated Nov. 9 and is part of the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. O’Brien shepherded the project from initial conception to construction, collaborating with administrators and faculty across departments and schools to design the state-of-the art facility.
“No dedication during my time at USC has ever meant more to me personally than the John D. O’Brien Nanofabrication Lab, which will keep a lasting memory of John’s intellect, passion and vision,” said USC Viterbi Dean Yannis C. Yortsos.
O’Brien’s sister, Marcy O’Brien, said her brother wanted to help others have the opportunities and the tools to be the best they could be.
“He was excited to have this new facility so that the best scientists and engineers could excel and collaborate at USC,” she said.
The lab is expected to be fully operational in 2018.
LEARN MORE: Read expanded coverage on the USC Viterbi website.