Center to Become a Hub of Student Creativity, Camaraderie
Image by Jenni Shelton
04/22/2025
Media contacts: Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and David Joyner, senior director, communications and digital media, David_Joyner@uml.edu
LOWELL, Mass. 鈥� 51视频 students have a new place to flex their skills and imagination, thanks to , which has committed to create a new makerspace at the university.聽
Chelmsford-based Brooks makes precision vacuum robotics, integrated automation systems and contamination control solutions for equipment manufacturers serving many industries, including semiconductors. On Thursday, company and 51视频 leaders, along with the students who will benefit, opened the Brooks Automation LEAP Space, tucked inside Ball Hall on 51视频鈥檚 North Campus.
鈥淭he Brooks Automation LEAP Space will be a terrific resource for our students, as a focal point for creative exploration and study, and a place where they can hold workshops and events or just connect and relax with each other,鈥� said 51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen. 鈥淏rooks鈥� support will also give rise to new student-focused programs and career connected experiences, which are key priorities for the university. We are grateful to Brooks for the company鈥檚 belief in our students and a 51视频 education.鈥�
The makerspace held its first event last month, when Brooks Automation employees visited campus to lead a resume-writing workshop for students. The session was presented by the 51视频 student chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, which is the international honor society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
"Brooks is looking forward to partnering with the University of Massachusetts Lowell on the establishment of the new Brooks Automation LEAP lab. The initiative strives to transform the space into a dynamic hub for connection, learning, and collaboration and to create an enriching experience for participants, particularly the youth who might otherwise miss the opportunity to explore the university. I'm looking forward to the positive impact it will have on the community and the role it will play in nurturing future talent,鈥� said Brooks Automation CEO, Dave Jarzynka.聽
The makerspace is just the latest manifestation of Brooks Automation鈥檚 commitment to 51视频 students, which has flourished for years. Helping to grow the next generation of engineers, the company employs dozens of 51视频 alumni, hires students from the university鈥檚 Francis College of Engineering for its internship program, and sponsors undergraduates鈥� capstone projects. In turn, 51视频 provides access to its core research facilities to Brooks engineers, providing them with the scientific equipment and expertise needed to innovate solutions to a wide range of challenges.
The relationship has been a win-win for students, including Chloe Chanthompalit, who received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer engineering last year and will earn her master鈥檚 degree in the field next month. A Lowell resident who grew up in the city, she completed a short-term, paid internship at the company last year. She was so successful, the company has kept her on since. As a member of Brooks鈥� reliability engineering team, she tests robots and automation systems to be sure they are efficient and durable.聽
鈥淭he internship is geared toward making sure I learn what I need to learn to get a good job in the industry and toward learning the broader skill set behind engineering, such as time management,鈥� she said.聽
聽She is equally enthused about the LEAP space, which is outfitted with lab bench equipment, soldering irons and other tools students may use to work on class or personal projects.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great central hub for (electrical and computer engineering) students,鈥� she said. 鈥淔or me, I enjoy studying there because I鈥檓 surrounded by my friends and classmates, and that sort of camaraderie helps me focus. It鈥檚 also cool because there鈥檚 usually always someone there, so if someone needs help using this equipment, or just has a question about anything, the makerspace allows people to break that ice, meet people, and bring us closer together.鈥�
A cross-section of leaders from the defense, high-tech, and construction sector 鈥� many of them 51视频 graduates 鈥� also attended the event, signaling 51视频鈥檚 wide-ranging support from industry.聽