UMBC's commitment to innovation in pedagogy took a leap forward in 2010 with the debut of a new initiative by the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS). The CASTLE -- or CNMS Active Science and Technology Learning Environment -- was designed to build on the success of the university's Chemistry Discovery Center. The flexible, small group learning space in UMBC's University Center can accommodate multiple disciplines within its 2,400 square-foot space. The initiative was supported by a $300,000 grant from The Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and the company senior vice president Larry Cox (left) was present at the opening with Provost Philip Rous (center) and President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III (right).