School of Engineering and Technology Facilities
Experience cutting-edge labs and hands-on learning
At Central Michigan University’s School of Engineering and Technology, you’ll work in state-of-the-art laboratory spaces built to support your coursework and research. Benefit from faculty-led specialized labs and a shared teaching and research facility that gives you practical, hands-on experience in environmental analysis and engineering techniques.
Step into our labs and turn theory into real-world skills that set you apart.
Robotics and Automation Laboratory
The robotics and automation lab is equipped with five state-of-the-art FANUC industrial robots. Dr. Shaopeng (Frank) Cheng uses these robots to teach both theoretical and practical aspects of robotics in two courses: EGR 371 - Robotics and Automation and IET 375 - Robotics.
As a FANUC Certified Instructor through the FANUC Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) program since 2010, Dr. Cheng awards the FANUC Robot Education Certificate to students who successfully complete EGR 371 or IET 375.
Students proficient in operating and programming FANUC industrial robots gain a competitive edge in the job market by applying their skills to real-world automation solutions.
Innovation Central
Innovation Central is the hub of creativity and cutting-edge technology within the School of Engineering and Technology. This dynamic space is home to SET’s fleet of 3D printers, fully equipped ECE lab stations, and versatile workbenches, providing everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
One of the standout features? The 24’x30’ netted Drone Zone, where students and faculty actively design, build, and test groundbreaking drone projects. From delivery drones to inspection models and high-speed racing drones, Innovation Central is where concepts evolve into fully functional prototypes, all within a safe, controlled environment.
With more and more projects taking flight (literally!), this space continues to grow as a hub for engineering exploration. Whether you're refining a class project or collaborating on an RSO initiative, Innovation Central is here to turn your vision into reality.
Metals Lab
The Metals Lab (ET 126) is where you can roll up your sleeves and gain real-world experience in metalworking. From learning to use basic mills, drills, and presses to mastering welding techniques, this lab offers a variety of hands-on opportunities. You can work with equipment designed to alter metals and have access to CNC machines, where you’ll learn both operation and programming. The Metals Lab is an ideal space for anyone interested in the art and science of metal fabrication.
Shared Teaching and Research Laboratory
In the shared laboratory, you will develop proficiency in essential water quality measurement techniques used in water and wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring. This space also serves as a primary research environment for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Key equipment:
- Liquid Chromatographer
- Gas Chromatographer
- Spectrophotometer
- Membrane system
- Additional instrumentation for environmental analysis detecting specific contaminants
Faculty research laboratories
Anaerobic Biotechnology Laboratory
Turn waste into renewable resources
In the Anaerobic Biotechnology Laboratory, you'll explore how innovative environmental technologies can transform waste into valuable resources. Through hands-on research, you'll investigate how microorganisms can convert organic waste into renewable energy while helping solve real-world challenges in wastewater treatment, sustainability, and environmental protection.
Whether you're interested in environmental engineering, biotechnology, renewable energy, or water resources, you'll have opportunities to work with advanced research equipment and contribute to projects that address some of today's most pressing environmental issues.
What You'll Do
As a student researcher, you can:
- Optimize biogas and methane production processes
- Investigate the impacts of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and microplastics
- Study microbial communities that drive wastewater treatment processes
- Analyze environmental data to improve treatment system performance
- Develop sustainable solutions for wastewater, sludge, and organic waste management
Advanced Research Facilities
You'll gain experience using equipment and technologies found in leading environmental engineering laboratories, including:
- Temperature-controlled environmental chambers
- Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors
- Anaerobic Packed-Bed Bioreactors (APBR)
- Ceramic and polymeric membrane systems
- Gas chromatography systems for methane and biogas analysis
- Water quality and chemical analysis instrumentation
- Thermal treatment and sterilization equipment
- Laboratory systems for nutrient, solids, and wastewater characterization
Prepare for Your Future
The skills you develop in this laboratory will prepare you for careers in environmental consulting, wastewater treatment, renewable energy, biotechnology, and environmental regulation. You'll also build a strong foundation for graduate study and research careers in environmental engineering and sustainability.
By participating in research, you'll gain practical experience, develop technical expertise, and contribute to solutions that help create a more sustainable future.
Environmental Genomics and Microbial Ecology Laboratory
Discover the Invisible World Shaping Our Environment
In the Environmental Genomics and Microbial Ecology Laboratory, you'll use cutting-edge molecular biology and data analysis tools to understand the microorganisms that influence environmental health, water quality, and public safety.
You'll explore how microbial communities respond to environmental challenges and learn how genomic technologies can be used to address emerging issues such as antibiotic resistance, environmental contamination, and sustainable water management.
This interdisciplinary research experience combines environmental engineering, biology, and data science, giving you valuable skills that are increasingly in demand across industry, government, and research organizations.
What You'll Do
As a student researcher, you can:
- Analyze DNA and RNA from environmental samples
- Detect and monitor pathogens and emerging contaminants
- Investigate antibiotic resistance genes in environmental systems
- Study microbial communities in wastewater, biosolids, leachate, and water resources
- Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze complex genomic datasets
- Develop innovative approaches to environmental monitoring and sustainability
Advanced Molecular Research Capabilities
You'll gain hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment and technologies, including:
- High- and low-throughput qPCR systems
- DNA and RNA extraction and analysis platforms
- Pathogen detection and quantification technologies
- Bioinformatics and microbial data analysis tools
- Environmental microbiology research instrumentation
Prepare for High-Demand Careers
As environmental challenges become increasingly complex, employers are seeking professionals who can combine engineering, biology, and data analytics. Through your work in this laboratory, you'll develop technical skills that prepare you for careers in environmental consulting, biotechnology, public health, water resources, research, and graduate education.
You'll graduate with practical experience using the genomic and analytical tools that are shaping the future of environmental science and engineering.
WaTTeR Lab
In this lab, you will work on water treatment and reuse technologies.
Research focus:
- Physicochemical water and wastewater treatment
- Advanced water treatment for reuse
Key equipment:
- Fluorescence spectrophotometer
- Total Organic Carbon Analyzer
- Solar simulator
Thermal Fluids Laboratory
The Thermal Fluids Laboratory is primarily designed for undergraduate education, though faculty occasionally use its equipment for research.
Why it’s important:
- Supports EGR-460, a required course for the BSME degree.
- Reinforces mechanical engineering principles covered in associated lecture courses.
Unique features:
- Gives you exposure to physical equipment and mensuration devices.
- Helps you develop skills in preparing experiment procedures and presenting engineering reports.
- While the experiments focus on fundamental mechanical engineering principles, they provide hands-on experience that strengthens theoretical knowledge.
