Create Your Own Project
We invite UB students of all levels and majors to develop their own projects that align with individual interests, passion and sense of purpose.
Propose an Independent Project with ELN
The most compelling projects do not require money or privileged access to networks or opportunities, but instead depend entirely on students’ willingness to fully commit to the stages of project development and experiential learning: Preparation, Engagement and Adding value, Reflection and Leveraging their experiences toward broader impacts. We call this process PEARL and we encourage all students to enjoy its benefits.
Through guided mentorship by ELN staff and engagement in our digital badge series, we invite UB students of all levels and majors to develop their own projects that align with individual interests, passion and sense of purpose.
To start a project with support from ELN, simply email the project mentor below. Then, students will begin by clarifying their project focus and finding a mentor. Once these critical steps are achieved, students will work through the various steps of their project, consulting with their mentor and earning digital badges along the way. In addition to supporting specific learning and professional goals, projects must be inherently meaningful, culminating in an outcome with relevance to some identified external audience.
According to ELN Director, Mara Huber, who urges:
Now, more than ever, the world needs doers, professionals who can add value, setting meaningful goals, and navigating challenges and uncertainties toward some tangible outcome. Regardless of your circumstances, know that you have what you need to keep moving forward. I implore you to be bold with your projects, to find mentors to support and encourage your work, and to leverage your investments toward bigger and far-reaching impacts. And most of all, have fun- there’s nothing more exciting than pursuing your dreams.
Project outcome
Under guidance from ELN staff and mentors, students will complete self-directed projects that culminate in a product that is inherently meaningful to an identified external audience. Projects may take any form and may include:
- global collaboration
- mentored research
- creative activities
- community engagement
- innovation
Project details
| Length of commitment | Flexible |
| Start time | Flexible |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | Remote |
| Level of collaboration | Individual and group projects are welcomed |
| Benefits | Varied |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students |
Project mentor
Christina Heath
Administrative Director
Experiential Learning Network
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Your specific preparation activities will be customized by you and the mentor to set you up for success to achieve your goals and project outcomes.