Wondering where Northeastern University’s engineering students forge their future? It’s within these walls of the Snell Engineering Center.
Hello everyone. I am excited to share the story of the Snell Engineering Center with you. This building is centrally located on Northeastern’s Boston campus. It is more than just a building. It is a hub of innovation and learning.
The Snell Engineering Center stands where the first World Series baseball game was played in 1903. Isn’t that a fascinating piece of history? George Snell, a Northeastern alumnus from 1941, and his wife Lorraine, provided the funds to build this facility. Their generosity helped create a space for future generations of engineers.
Before the Snell Engineering Center existed, the engineering department had humble beginnings. Around 1901, engineering courses began as part of the evening program at the Boston YMCA. These courses prepared men for engineering and industrial design careers. In 1909, the first day school, called a Co-operative School of Engineering, was established.
Carl Ell played a vital role in shaping Northeastern’s engineering program. After studying at MIT, he joined the faculty in 1910. Ell became the head of the civil engineering department in 1912. By 1917, he was the dean of the School of Engineering. Ell expanded the cooperative education program and made it an integral part of the university.
In 1920, the engineering school gained the power to grant degrees. However, the school faced challenges. In 1936, it didn’t receive accreditation due to cramped classrooms and inadequate facilities. The curriculum was also considered too short. To address these issues, a new governing body was created. The curriculum expanded to five years. The university constructed its first campus building, Richards Hall.
By 1960, the College of Engineering had grown significantly. It became the largest undergraduate engineering program in New England. Eventually in 1983, the engineering school moved into its own space, designed by Keyes and Associates.
The Snell Engineering Center has undergone renovations to enhance its learning spaces. These renovations include two tiered 200-seat classrooms and an informal gathering space. A new vestibule and a tutoring suite were added. The design focused on repurposing existing spaces with sustainability in mind. Solid oak paneling was refreshed with embedded LED lights.
The Exchange Space, once a storage room, is now a study area. It connects central campus thoroughfares. The space features undulating felt wall panels and a custom mural by artist Katy Ann Gilmore. A new glass vestibule serves as an inviting entrance. It improves wheelchair access. The tutoring suite replaced a solid wall with a folding glass partition for visual connection.
The Snell Engineering Learning Center provides a workspace and resource center. It supports first-year students. It brings together faculty and staff. The student workroom accommodates informal sessions, classes, and project testing. The Learning Center also serves as a comfortable hangout space. Windows showcase student activities. They connect the engineering programs to the broader student population.
Northeastern University’s College of Engineering offers many programs. There are 65 undergraduate and graduate engineering degree programs. Students can pursue BS, MS, and PhD degrees. The college also provides a wide range of minors and graduate certificates. The co-op program allows students to gain professional experience. They can work for four, six, or eight-month periods.
The College of Engineering comprises five departments. These include Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering.
The College of Engineering is home to thirteen primary research centers. These centers focus on various areas. These areas are like explosives-related threats, subsurface sensing, and nanotechnology.
The Snell Engineering Center stands as a testament to Northeastern University’s commitment to engineering education and research. It continues to evolve. The Snell Engineering Center fosters innovation.