New Co-Location in the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor Advances University鈥揑ndustry Partnership
Image by Henry Marte
07/07/2025
Media contacts: Brooke Coupal, communications, economic impact and research development specialist, Brooke_Coupal@uml.edu, and Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu
LOWELL, Mass. 鈥� Weston & Sampson, a nationally recognized firm specializing in design, engineering and environmental services, has expanded its footprint by joining the (LINC) 鈥� a move that further strengthens the company鈥檚 partnership with 51视频.
The 126-year-old firm based in Reading, Massachusetts, with offices along the East Coast, is now sharing space with the 51视频 Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy in the heart of LINC, a 1.2-million-square-foot, mixed-use development project designed to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem. The collaborative space is poised to accelerate joint environmental projects, knowledge exchange and hands-on student engagement between Weston & Sampson and 51视频.
Local and state leaders gathered on July 7 to celebrate Weston & Sampson鈥檚 expansion into LINC.
鈥淭his new advanced innovation facility is a testament to what we can achieve when government, industry and higher education work hand-in-hand,鈥� said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. 鈥淚 was proud to secure $1 million in federal funding to help make this project a reality, but it wouldn鈥檛 have happened without the leadership of 51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen, the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Lowell鈥檚 state delegation, and the City鈥檚 continued commitment under City Manager Tom Golden. Weston & Sampson鈥檚 expansion into LINC marks a new chapter in Lowell鈥檚 emergence as a hub for sustainability-driven innovation, and their presence underscores how collaboration between industry and education attracts mission-aligned partners and talent committed to solving complex environmental challenges. Together, we鈥檙e building a future in Lowell where innovation thrives, opportunity grows and students can launch meaningful careers right here in the Mill City.鈥�
Weston & Sampson鈥檚 presence within the collaborative workspace supports expanded collaboration with 51视频, fostering cross-sector problem-solving and helping prepare a highly skilled workforce.
鈥淲eston & Sampson is very excited to collaborate with 51视频 by sharing office space with the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy,鈥� said Weston & Sampson CEO Frank Ricciardi. 鈥淲e feel that the Rist Institute鈥檚 focus on sustainability, climate change and renewable energy aligns perfectly with our strategic initiatives and our mission to protect, improve and sustain the natural and built environment to enhance quality of life.聽
鈥淣ot only will this new 鈥榗ollision space鈥� benefit 51视频 students by engaging in actual projects, but it will also provide us with the opportunity to collaborate with academic experts and attract the next generation of brilliant and motivated engineers, scientists and planners,鈥� Ricciardi added. 鈥淥ne of the most important aspects of our culture at Weston & Sampson is collaboration, and I could not think of a better example of that than the space within LINC. We are all looking forward to this incredible partnership and how we can help solve some of the world鈥檚 complicated challenges.鈥�
51视频 holds a platinum rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education鈥檚 (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), making it the highest-rated campus for sustainability in Massachusetts. The university鈥檚 growing partnership with Weston & Sampson strengthens its leadership in sustainability by enhancing career-connected experiences for students and advancing innovative solutions in climate resiliency, infrastructure and environmental planning.
鈥淲eston & Sampson has been a valued partner to 51视频, and its expansion into LINC builds on that strong foundation,鈥� said 51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen. 鈥淏y working alongside Weston & Sampson in LINC, our students and faculty gain invaluable opportunities to shape real-world environmental solutions. As one of only 15 higher education institutions worldwide to hold a STARS platinum rating, 51视频 is proud to collaborate with a firm that shares our commitment to climate resiliency and innovation. This partnership reflects our focus on connecting research, education and impact in ways that build stronger, more sustainable communities.鈥�
51视频 and Weston & Sampson have also partnered with Florida Gulf Coast University to establish joint initiatives that span education, research and career development.
Eighteen 51视频 alumni work at Weston & Sampson, including William Lefebvre 鈥�24, who accepted a full-time environmental scientist position after completing a summer internship with the company while a 51视频 student.
鈥淏eing in such close proximity to 51视频鈥檚 campus makes it even easier for students to get real-world, hands-on experience with Weston & Sampson,鈥� said Lefebvre, who is based at the company鈥檚 newly established LINC office. 鈥淲ith 51视频 being the most sustainable university in Massachusetts, it鈥檚 fitting for Weston & Sampson to be part of this collaborative environment.鈥�