ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ

Skip to Main Content

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ awarded $500,000 for new labs in I-HACK

Published: 02/06/2026

First Ascent Press Conference - Jim Foote and Dr. I

Gannon University has been named a recipient of $500,000 in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.

The money will support the development of two biomedical laboratories on ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s Erie campus that will advance cancer treatment as well as while strengthening workforce development in the region’s healthcare sector.

The labs will provide a home for First Ascent Biomedical and AHN Saint Vincent laboratories on the fourth floor of the Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge (I-HACK).

"We are deeply appreciative of this support of our First Ascent Biomedical lab. These funds obtained through Sen. McCormick's efforts will immediately support new jobs in Erie, Pa., at First Ascent, as well as aid the development of two academic programs designed to fill gaps in the region's healthcare workforce for years to come,” said ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s award is part of a series of Congressionally Directed Spending projects announced by Sen. McCormick that are aimed at improving public safety, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development throughout Pennsylvania.

The First Ascent project is also supported by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), the Erie Community Foundation, the Lutheran Foundation for Longterm Living and other local partners.

Construction is expected to be completed later in this year.