Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
WPI was the lead university as part of the Oculus Team that competed in the Solar Decathlon Africa 2019 competition in Morocco. Learn more.
Not too hot, not too cold: WPI researchers awarded grant to find just the right classroom environment for learning. Learn More
Environmental quality could affect your driving performance. Learn More.
Model of Shanghai, in the Museum of Urban Planning Exhibition Center in Shanghai. The world’s population will become increasingly urban this century, accentuating civil engineering challenges in a changing climate.
Students, faculty and collaborators working together on the Solar Decathlon Africa project in 2019. Learn more.
WPI students, faculty, and President Leshin touring the Third Set of Locks expansion project in Panama, which has doubled the shipping capacity of the Panama Canal and incorporates many sustainable features.
Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase
The 2025 Undergraduate Research Project Showcase was a celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project (MQP)—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited. The chemistry and biochemistry department had extraordinary projects with thorough research from each participating student, as well as two exemplary MQP students who were awarded the Major Qualifying Project Awards. You can see all award winners in the exciting spotlight section below!
Media Coverage
See More Media CoverageMeet Our Students
Faculty Snapshot
Steven Van Dessel
Discover what this professor of civil, environmental, and architectural engineering keeps in his office.
From the University Magazine
Student Project: How Bazar, How Bazar
WPI students partnered with SINGA Lyon in France to develop interactive media for promoting community and inclusion of migrants
A Welcome Invasion of City Walls
Lizard-like robots sneak into small spaces for mapping and inspections.
Fire Safety as a Human Right
Danielle Antonellis founded a nonprofit to reduce risk in vulnerable communities around the world.
Sustainability of the Built Environment
Researchers seek solutions for a source of 40 percent of carbon emissions worldwide—human-made infrastructure.
Alumni Success Stories
Reshaping Urban Life
Maureen McCaffrey ’86 and Amy Prange ’07 transform city neighborhoods and counter the gender imbalance in commercial real estate.
Working Smarter, Not Harder
Derrick Morse ’01, MS ’03 works with robots that tackle the back-breaking, detailed work of layout transfer.
Kristophe Zephyrin '21
Even as a child, Zephyrin had grand ambitions to save the world and improve the human condition, starting with a dream of creating urban green spaces in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
Donor Profile
Alumni Couple Gives Back in Gratitude
“The knowledge and skill I gained on The Hill have allowed me to contribute and make an impact in areas ranging from technical design work to solving complex problems in a methodical way," said Danielle (Luongo) Fries '94 MS '98 who is paying it forward with her husband Kenneth Fries '93 MS '98
Susan and William Rutherford ’73
Philanthropic giving in support of gender equity through the William A. ’73 and Susan Rutherford Civil Engineering Scholarship for women in civil engineering
Advance with the BS/MS Dual Degree Program
Fast-track your education and career with the BS/MS program by earning a dual degree―an accelerated academic pathway to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Saving both time and money while building advanced knowledge and skills could help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Discover more about the BS/MS program and your options to earn a BS/MS dual degree at the links below.