Academic Laboratory is set to be completed later this year. UMC and a future blood services operator will be the two primary tenants taking space in the NHBC Academic Laboratory. The NHBC Academic Laboratory also will support workforce development and academic advancement by growing the number of pathology residencies and fellowships for UNLV medical students. Planning for the NHBC Academic Laboratory began years ago, when Mayor Pro Tem Brian Knudsen was envisioning an ideal future for the Las Vegas Medical District. Dina Babsky, director of economic and urban development at the city of Las Vegas, said the city’s “streamlined development process” has helped the NHBC Academic Laboratory take shape and that it will “generally drive the economy” once open.