ELN relaunches as Office for Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Education has relaunched the Experiential Learning Network (ELN) as the Office for Undergraduate Research, strengthening the university’s commitment to faculty-mentored undergraduate research.

The refocused office will serve as a central destination connecting students and faculty mentors across all disciplines to support engagement in research, creative activities and scholarly exploration. It will also promote inquiry as a defining part of the UB academic experience.

“Undergraduate research is one of the most powerful ways students deepen their learning and discover their potential,” says Ann Bizantz, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education. “By elevating this work through the Office for Undergraduate Research, we are strengthening how students connect with faculty, ideas and opportunities that define UB as a leading research university.”

The Office for Undergraduate Research builds on the foundational work of ELN, continuing key programs such as funding opportunities, digital badges and the Celebration of Academic Excellence Student Showcase.

As part of this change, the team will enhance the existing searchable database of experiences, aligning all projects with faculty-led research and allowing students to filter opportunities to match their academic interests, skills and goals

“We want it to be clear that research is accessible and welcoming for every student, regardless of major or prior experience,” says Claire Schen, associate dean for undergraduate research and scholarship. “You can start as early as your first semester, whether through lab work or creative and scholarly projects across disciplines. It doesn’t have to look one specific way, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.

“Research is a powerful opportunity to explore your interests, test career paths and build meaningful relationships with faculty,” adds Schen, associate professor in the Department of History.

As part of this change, the office will focus on building community, mentorship and guidance for faculty to better support undergraduate mentoring. In the coming academic year, it will bring together those working in undergraduate research and applied learning, as well as faculty mentors, to share best practices to learn together and foster meaningful undergraduate opportunities.

The office’s structure will remain unchanged: Schen serves as associate dean for undergraduate research and scholarship, Christina Heath as director and Carissa Iacuzzo as program coordinator. The team will continue to engage with all undergraduate students and raise visibility for those early in their academic career by having a presence at accepted student days, orientations, UB Seminars and other student-focused programs and events.

“We want students to find joy in their learning — to see it as a source of inspiration for whatever paths they pursue after graduating from UB,” Schen says. “All students should have the opportunity to work with faculty members on projects that are intellectually engaging, challenging and rewarding.”

Learn more at the new Office for Undergraduate Research’s website.