About

Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it and by the same token save it from that ruin which, except for renewal, except for the coming of the new and young, would be inevitable.

—Hannah Arendt, The Crisis in Education

Our Mission

The mission of the UEL is to train the next generation of leaders in conservation biology, environmental science, management and justice, and to ensure that such leadership reflects the communities they will serve.

What We Do

The UEL is first and foremost an undergraduate research lab. All lab members are expected to get involved in research from the moment they join the lab. Obviously the type of research will depend on experience level and other commitments.

The UEL also archives and curates data, both from UEL-led projects and, where appropriate, from other NJIT activities (such as course-based research, or campus environmental initiatives). It can also act as a coordination hub or other resource for those projects.

UEL members are expected to apply for funding for their research projects. There are many opportunities for undergraduates to obtain funding, both within NJIT and externally, and lab members will be guided through the process.

Mentoring

The UEL offers multiple forms of mentoring to its members, as well as training and opportunities to become a mentor in turn. The primary form of mentoring is in research skills, but core members also receive academic and career mentoring as needed. Mentorship is provided by the lab directors as well as by more senior undergraduate lab members. The UEL also plans to develop a ‘career mentoring board’ of individuals from local businesses and non-profit organizations.

Recruitment

Minority students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are under-represented in environmental fields. This is especially unfortunate as many environmental challenges disproportionately affect such communities. The UEL plans outreach to schools in the Newark area, and will seek funding for targeted scholarships to attract students to study at NJIT with the goal of a career in an environmental discipline.

Career Development

The UEL works with local businesses to find internships and other opportunities to experience different kinds of environmental careers.

Where We Are

The UEL’s physical base is in the biology research labs on the fourth floor of the Central King Building. Lab meetings are typically held either there or in a CKB conference room.

Contact Us

For any questions about the UEL in general, please write to uel-enquiries@njit.edu

For questions about specific projects, contact one of the principal investigators listed for that project, as shown on the Research page.