New Co-Location in the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor Advances University–Industry 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. – Weston & Sampson, a nationally recognized firm specializing in design, engineering and environmental services, has expanded its footprint by joining the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) – a move that further strengthens the company’s partnership with UMass Lowell.
The 126-year-old firm based in Reading, Massachusetts, with offices along the East Coast, is now sharing space with the UMass Lowell 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 UMass Lowell.
Local and state leaders gathered on July 7 to celebrate Weston & Sampson’s expansion into LINC.
“This new advanced innovation facility is a testament to what we can achieve when government, industry and higher education work hand-in-hand,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I was proud to secure $1 million in federal funding to help make this project a reality, but it wouldn’t have happened without the leadership of UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Lowell’s state delegation, and the City’s continued commitment under City Manager Tom Golden. Weston & Sampson’s expansion into LINC marks a new chapter in Lowell’s 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’re building a future in Lowell where innovation thrives, opportunity grows and students can launch meaningful careers right here in the Mill City.”
Weston & Sampson’s presence within the collaborative workspace supports expanded collaboration with UMass Lowell, fostering cross-sector problem-solving and helping prepare a highly skilled workforce.
“Weston & Sampson is very excited to collaborate with UMass Lowell by sharing office space with the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy,” said Weston & Sampson CEO Frank Ricciardi. “We feel that the Rist Institute’s 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.
“Not only will this new ‘collision space’ benefit UMass Lowell 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,” Ricciardi added. “One 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’s complicated challenges.”
UMass Lowell holds a platinum rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), making it the highest-rated campus for sustainability in Massachusetts. The university’s 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.
“Weston & Sampson has been a valued partner to UMass Lowell, and its expansion into LINC builds on that strong foundation,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “By 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, UMass Lowell 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.”
UMass Lowell and Weston & Sampson have also partnered with Florida Gulf Coast University to establish joint initiatives that span education, research and career development.
Eighteen UMass Lowell alumni work at Weston & Sampson, including William Lefebvre ’24, who accepted a full-time environmental scientist position after completing a summer internship with the company while a UMass Lowell student.
“Being in such close proximity to UMass Lowell’s campus makes it even easier for students to get real-world, hands-on experience with Weston & Sampson,” said Lefebvre, who is based at the company’s newly established LINC office. “With UMass Lowell being the most sustainable university in Massachusetts, it’s fitting for Weston & Sampson to be part of this collaborative environment.”