FDU Opens Dennis Turpan Lab to Propel Healthcare Innovation and STEM Breakthroughs

Cutting the ribbon to commemorate the opening of the Dennis Turpan Research and Development Lab for Cutting-edge Technologies & Disciplines are FDU alumnus Bryan Dunst, MBA’04 (Metro), FDU President Michael J. Avaltroni, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Benjamin Rifkin, and Director of the Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering Alfredo Tan.

April 17, 2025 — Fairleigh Dickinson University celebrated a historic step forward in innovation, education and philanthropy with the official ribbon cutting of the Dennis Turpan Research and Development Lab for Cutting-edge Technologies and Disciplines. Located in Becton Hall on the Metropolitan Campus, the lab is a cornerstone in FDU’s growing efforts to drive interdisciplinary research and support the University’s bold HealthPath Forward initiative.

The new lab — made possible by a transformative $1 million gift from an anonymous donor — will empower students and faculty in the Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering (GHSCSE) to engage in high-impact, real-world research in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, data science and digital forensics. Half of the generous gift also supports FDU’s School of Psychology and Counseling, further underscoring the donor’s deep commitment to education, innovation and student success. The Hearst Foundation also provided funding to support the lab.

“This lab is a launchpad for innovation and opportunity,” said FDU President Michael Avaltroni. “Today we celebrate the impact of philanthropy. This is made possible through the generosity of those who believe in what are doing and the institution’s vision for the future — a vision in which healthcare, technology and education intersect to improve lives.”

A key part of that vision is FDU HealthPath Forward, which seeks to transform healthcare education and training by building a coalition dedicated to healthcare innovation and forging new connections between technology, health sciences, business, and engineering. The Turpan Lab embodies this mission with projects already under way — like using deep learning to detect melanoma early or applying data science to reduce healthcare costs.

During the ceremony, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Benjamin Rifkin emphasized the power of experiential learning made possible by the lab. “Here, students will work hands-on with emerging technologies, collaborate across disciplines and engage in research that builds real-world skills. At the same time, this space will allow our faculty to expand their research and scholarly contributions.”

Named in memory of FDU alumnus Dennis Turpan, BS’71 (Metro), an Air Force veteran who overcame significant medical challenges to complete his degree, the lab serves as a testament to perseverance, service and the transformative power of learning. FDU alumnus Bryan Dunst, MBA’04 (Metro), financial adviser to the anonymous donor, praised Dennis and his mother, Marion Turpan, also an FDU graduate, BS’63, MA’65 (Metro), who believed strongly in giving back to the University. (Marion is recognized by name in the gifts dedicated to the School of Psychology and Counseling.) “Marion and Dennis’ Turpan’s legacy is not just marked by their achievements but by their resilience, generosity and belief in the power of education,” Dunst said. “Today we honor their memory and their lasting contributions to the FDU community — knowing that their spirit will continue to inspire generations.”

Alfredo Tan, director of GHSCSE, noted that the Turpan Lab will serve not only as a hub for technology, but as a collaborative space that unites students and faculty across disciplines, including partnerships with external research organizations and industry leaders.

As cyberthreats rise, healthcare costs soar and the need for innovative diagnostics becomes more urgent, Tan added, the Dennis Turpan Lab stands as a timely and critical resource — especially for FDU’s diverse, often first-generation student population, many of whom receive Pell Grants and are seeking life-changing careers in STEM.

After the ribbon was cut, guests were invited to tour the lab and experience student-led demonstrations of advanced tools including drones, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and robotic systems.