Under his leadership, the College of Science has launched a number of new initiatives. In the fall of 2021, the College of Science launched the first minor program in the country focusing on rare disease patient advocacy. A few months later, Notre Dame Patient Advocacy Initiative receives founding gift from Horizon Therapeutics and Dyne Therapeutics. During his tenure, the University of Notre Dame receive a $20 million gift to endow the newly established Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health. He contributed to the expansion of the University of Notre Dame East Campus Research Complex with the addition of a 200,000-square-foot science and engineering building.
Additionally, Schnell established the Notre Dame Christmas lectures; this event is an annual gift of science to the community adapted the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. He also established the Rev. Joseph Carrier C.S.C. Science Medal. This is the most prestigious award presented by the College of Science, and is given for sustained, outstanding achievements in any field of science.