WPI had one of 35 civilian research nuclear reactors licensed to operate in the United States . It was built and used in research during the height of the Cold War but the school 's nuclear program ended at the turn of the century . Unfortunately , due to heightened security around reactors post 9/11 and lack of need , the reactor was decommissioned and filled in early in 2018
9/11
September 11 attacks
Worcester Polytechnic Institute