Real-time noise and vibration monitoring to protect active vivarium research

Renovating an occupied biomedical research facility while animal studies remain active is among the highest-stakes operational challenges a research institution can face—and informal coordination is rarely sufficient. Phil LaTourette and Dawn Hidenfelter detail the integrated monitoring and communication strategy deployed during a multi-million-dollar renovation of a mid-century urban research building. They lay out an approach combining pre-construction baseline assessment, targeted sensor deployment in critical vivarium zones, automated real-time data integration, and a structured stakeholder communication framework spanning IACUC engagement, faculty updates, and daily construction coordination. They provide lessons learned, and document the results achieved in animal welfare and research continuity.