The Center provides the University with a waterfront research, education and technology program for the biology, environmental chemistry, electrical and computer engineering departments. It houses 14 research laboratories, office space and administrative areas on two floors. Support areas include a machine shop, an electronic fabrication shop, a computer room, a radionuclide laboratory, a multimedia conference center and a library/chat room.

Also includes is an underwater research tank which supports the University's program in underwater communication, instrumentation and coastal ecology. It is built half-above and half-below ground in a separate structure linked to the main two-story building by a naturally-lit entry connector. Above the tank is a high-capacity bridge crane for handling equipment and large marine animals.

A 280-foot-long concrete and precast marine pier, dock and boat ramp support the intake pipe that picks up seawater and directs it to the building's open-loop, flow-through seawater system, which maintains marine life for use in testing and research.