Syracuse Sun

As students face challenges such as climate change and social inequity, immersive projects that extend beyond traditional classroom settings are becoming increasingly important. The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is expanding its community-based learning opportunities through the Engaged Humanities Network (EHN), founded in 2020 by Brice Nordquist, Dean’s Professor of Community Engagement.

Nordquist emphasizes the goal of empowering students and faculty to apply their knowledge for public benefit while fostering trust within communities. EHN has supported over 400 participants in publicly engaged work, backed more than 20 courses, and partnered with over 35 community organizations.

Support from A&S has allowed EHN to expand its undergraduate research program. Nordquist describes a more structured approach where students receive mentorship throughout their participation in EHN programs, culminating in independent research projects. "EHN has had an undergraduate research program since its inception," says Nordquist. "We’re working to better integrate with curricula."

The new EHN undergraduate research program includes three steps: engaging courses for first or second-year students, research placements in community projects for second or third-year students, and independent project design for third or fourth-year students.

A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi highlights the importance of this investment: “This strategic investment will enable more of our students to significantly contribute to work which directly addresses the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Students like Aamna Khan ’26 are making tangible impacts locally. Working with professors Tao Wen and Aaron Mohammed from Earth and Environmental Sciences, Khan is involved in urban stream monitoring to assess environmental risks in Syracuse's Valley neighborhood. She values this experience: “Being able to have that engagement... really teaches you a lot about purpose.”

Mentorship plays a crucial role, provided by individuals like Lauren Cooper at the Syracuse University Humanities Center. Cooper states that community-engaged research helps humanities students envision future intellectual possibilities.

Maeve Ryan ’27 was drawn to community-engaged work upon arriving at Syracuse. She coordinates a program for Deaf New Americans Advocacy, Inc., aiding communication skills development among multilingual students facing educational barriers.

Ryan appreciates her involvement with EHN: “The relationships I have developed... have been incredibly rewarding.” Both Khan and Ryan receive support through partnerships with SOURCE and the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising.

Looking ahead, Nordquist aims to involve more A&S faculty by integrating experiential learning into departmental offerings. He also envisions creating pathways for secondary education teachers through a proposed summer academy initiative.