10 Intriguing Spaces in QI’s Atkinson Hall

MEG Center

QI’s newest space is the MEG facility, one of only about 20 like it in the country. Here, an advanced technique called magnetoencephalography provides precise brain imaging that is safe, non-invasive and painless. The MEG team has helped patients by finding the exact location of epileptic seizures before corrective surgery, mapping brain networks in PTSD, and assessing treatments for schizophrenia.

___________________

Cultural Heritage Engineering Initiative

The Cultural Heritage Engineering Initiative (CHEI) is one of more than a dozen interdisciplinary groups in the building. This team uses 3-D visualization equipment to preserve information from key historic and environmental sites—from ancient Maya caves, to endangered coral reefs. Team members are also involved in using technology to track wildfires and other natural disasters.

___________________

SPAT Lab

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be in a virtual reality sound room? One QI team — the Sonic Arts Research and Development group — is exploring the possibilities in the Audio Spatialization (SPAT) Lab. Here, the team pushes the boundaries of art, music and engineering with 360 degree sound.

___________________

Nanotechnology Cleanroom

QI offers the UC San Diego and local communities use of a number of shared services. These include the Nano3 cleanroom, where innovators come to make something very small—like microchips or parts of medical devices. Specially designed rooms filter out dust and other airborne particles so these creations can succeed.

___________________

Prototyping Facility and Design Studio

The Prototyping Lab is a popular stop for faculty and students looking for help designing and building physical models of their ideas. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility was used to build models of a new low-cost emergency ventilator and other health care solutions.  

___________________

Circuits and Photonics Labs

Complementing other services, the Circuits and Photonics Labs offer custom electronics design and specialized equipment for research on sensing, imaging and signal processing. These labs have helped set new world records in energy efficiency and power amplification.

___________________

Gallery QI

On the creative side, Gallery QI hosts exhibits that unite art and technology in unexpected ways. Under the guidance of a faculty committee, exhibits have explored diverse topics—such as how augmented reality can highlight Native cultures, and how protest can take a digital form. All shows are free and open to the public.

___________________

Theater

Atkinson Hall hosts more than 100 events per year, both for QI and other campus groups. Sought-after spaces include the Theater, a black-box space that can be reconfigured for poster sessions, workshops, and art and music performances. The room also sports a 20 x 20-foot ultra-high-resolution display.

___________________

Auditorium

Another in-demand space is QI’s auditorium, which seats more than 200. Sophisticated visual and sound equipment make presentations—from the traditional to the experimental—come alive.

_____________________

Qualcomm Institute Innovation Space

Finally, QI offers startup companies a place to grow and thrive. Tenants in the QI Innovation Space have easy access to QI’s facilities, UC San Diego faculty, and student interns. More than 50 ventures in virtual reality, biotech, energy, and data science have made QI home.

_____________________

To learn how to connect with QI about its spaces, visit qi.ucsd.edu/contact.

Video credits

Narrator and tour guide: Areli Alvarez
Director and scriptwriter: Mika Elizabeth Ono
Producer: Alex Matthews
Editor: Kristina Mallari
Thanks to ALERTCalifornia and Nanome for additional footage