The Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) works to amplify and accelerate the practice and impact of experiential learning for MIT students—bringing the spirit of Mens et Manus to life.
Give us a shout at experientiallearning@mit.edu if you have questions, comments, or ideas to share!
Mind + Hand
Structured experiential learning opportunities enable students to effectively manage complexity and ambiguity; encounter and wrestle with authentic ethical dilemmas; understand and value different perspectives; and reflect on their purpose and aspirations in life. Experiential learning can also contribute positively to students’ future engagement at work and long-term well-being (Gallup-Purdue Index Report 2014).
OEL works to support, improve, and grow experiential learning opportunities; develop and implement new pedagogical, curricular, and advising models; and create a more intentional, integrated, and impactful ecosystem within the Institute.
In recent years, we’ve launched a class designed to teach ethics in real-world settings; kicked off a new initiative to create more Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs) focused on social impact; gave out mini-grants to support dozens of IAP activities; started a new assessment project to understand and improve access to high-quality ELOs; and created a platform called ELx to help students find ELOs. (And yeah, we coined a couple of new acronyms along the way…)
Last but definitely not least, we’re home to three awesome experiential learning centers and programs: the Edgerton Center, PKG Public Service Center, and UROP.
What is Experiential Learning?
An Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO) immerses and supports students in action-feedback-reflection cycles that connect learners to the world around them.
- The “experiential” piece involves applying knowledge to create, discover, or accomplish something in an authentic or simulated context, with potential societal and/or scholarly impact.
- The “learning” involves building new knowledge, skills, and/or perspectives by grappling with challenges, getting feedback from experts, and reflecting on the experience.
- The structured “opportunity” is supported by reflection, guidance, feedback, time, financial aid, and space to connect the learning to the context.
To be successful, ELOs should include the following components or characteristics:
- Hands-on application, engagement in real-world contexts
- Challenging, rigorous experiences, relationship to academic learning
- Expert guidance, supervision, or mentorship
- Meaningful intensity & duration
- Structured student reflection, feedback, & assessment
Though “ELO” is a fairly new term at MIT, experiential learning opportunities have existed at MIT for more than 50 years. ELOs at MIT include UROPs, MISTI internships, PKG internships and fellowships, some teaching positions, startups, and more!
Meet Our Team
And their favorite emojis! 👋
Kate Trimble (she/her) 🥸 is MIT’s Senior Associate Dean for Experiential Learning (and also serves as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice Chancellor). She is fortunate to work with the amazing EL programs that make an MIT education magical. Kate lives in Providence and knows all of the best restaurants and beaches in the state of Rhode Island.
Flávia Benevides (she/her) ☀️ is UROP’s Administrative Assistant and helps keep UROP running smoothly by supporting communications, coordination, and the many behind-the-scenes details that make the program work. She is inspired by the role UROP plays in helping students explore new interests, build confidence, and connect with meaningful research opportunities across MIT. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, she loves big cities, summer, jewelry design, and her two cats.
Dominique Becker (she/her) 🧜🏼♀️ is the Senior Program Coordinator for UROP, where she is dedicated to helping undergraduates find research opportunities that align with their passions and interests. Alongside guiding students toward the right fit, she leads workshops that help both students and mentors build highly rewarding research partnerships. When she isn’t helping the MIT community navigate the UROP landscape, Dominique loves traveling, exploring the outdoors, trying new foods, and swimming!
Kate Weishaar (she/her) 🧶 is the Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Director of UROP. Kate leads the dedicated team of UROP staff in managing ongoing operations and defining and pursuing strategic objectives. She also collaborates with awesome staff and students from EL programs and beyond to help students navigate and make the most of all types of ELOs. She is a serial crafter who dabbles in everything from oil painting to needle felting to sewing her own clothes. She is an MIT alum (’18) and holds an M.Ed. in Higher Ed Admin from Northeastern University.
Melissa Martin-Greene (she/her) 🎨 is UROP’s Assistant Director, overseeing funding and data assessment, mentor training workshops, and advising students and faculty on enhancing research experiences and outcomes. Inspired by students’ curiosity and growth through UROP, Melissa partners with the exceptional OEL team and colleagues across the Institute to support access to transformative research opportunities. Outside of work, she reads voraciously, writes creatively, enjoys theater, and explores the great outdoors with her dogs and family.
