With its impressive facilities and comprehensive programs, Del Mar College’s Oso Creek campus is revolutionizing education in our community, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.
State-of-the-Art STEM
One of the standout features of Del Mar College’s Oso Creek Campus is its state-of-the-art STEM Building, housing programs such as architecture/drafting technology, biology, biotechnology, biomanufacturing and engineering. The spacious and well-equipped laboratories are particularly noteworthy, offering a major teaching lab, a dedicated cell culture lab, a prep room and an instrument room. This expansion has attracted more students and created an environment that encourages participation and engagement. The increased space allows for teaching signature programs that align with industry demands, enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for the workforce.
Dr. Daisy Zhang, professor of biotechnology, highlights the advantages of the expanded space: “At the Oso Creek Campus meaning I can have eight students in the main teaching lab and have dedicated cell culture labs with about six double hoods. They do not have to wait. The lab accommodates the whole class, which is very important for [the students.]”
Beyond providing improved facilities, the Oso Creek campus is revolutionizing instructional delivery. The introduction of proper studios with ample pin-up space and proper lighting has transformed the learning experience, especially for architecture students. These spaces facilitate peer critique and external juror evaluations, fostering a collaborative and competitive environment that ignites creativity. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers and a woodshop, dedicated design rooms allow students to bring their designs to life and use industry-standard tools.
Laura Wright, chair of architecture, aviation and automotive, explains the effect of the new facility on the program by saying, “Studio culture is an aspect of architectural education that’s been around for centuries. The students get feedback not just from their instructor, but also from each other. Those critiques help improve their design and build this inherent sense of competition. When they see the work of their peers, it inspires them to build up their portfolios because they are also competing with each other to transfer to other institutions. A positive aspect of the new facility that has helped this program has been fostering that inherent sense of competition; [students] are working harder, creating better work and they’re inspired by each other.”
Cutting-Edge Culinary Arts
Another remarkable feature of the Oso Creek Campus is the Culinary Arts Building, spanning an impressive 59,561 square feet. This building showcases advanced facilities that revolutionize culinary education in the community.
With modern kitchen labs, a coffee shop and community rooms, the campus provides students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences. These ultramodern teaching spaces equip students with the practical skills needed to excel in the culinary industry. In addition to the kitchen labs and coffee shop, the campus also boasts a restaurant accessible by the public. What sets this facility apart is that it is operated by the culinary students themselves. From the moment a customer enters the establishment, students get involved in various aspects of restaurant operations.
At the heart of the restaurant are the kitchen labs, where students learn to prepare a wide range of dishes using the latest culinary techniques and equipment. They gain practical experience in menu planning, food preparation and presentation. Students also get exposure to working in a professional kitchen environment, honing their skills in areas such as timing, teamwork and efficiency. With the restaurant open to the public, students are given an invaluable opportunity to interact with real customers and receive feedback on culinary creations. This comprehensive, hands-on approach prepares them for the challenges and responsibilities they may encounter in their future careers as culinary professionals.
A Collaborative Campus
The Main Central Building arrangement allows for shared resources, coordinated class schedules and enhanced course support. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities, new programs and community engagement, Del Mar College’s Oso Creek Campus is redefining the educational experience for its students.
The campus is more than just a physical space; it is a hub of creativity, collaboration and support. Del Mar College’s commitment to providing accessible education and fostering student success sets a powerful example for the community and contributes to a well-equipped workforce. The Oso Creek campus embodies innovation in education, where the cultivation of knowledge goes hand in hand with the development of individuals and the growth of the community.
