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School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers logo
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Student working on a vertical garden.

Experiential Connections and Engaged Learning Lab

What Is the ExCEL Lab?

The Experiential Connections and Engaged Learning (ExCEL) Lab established in 2025, provides a centralized hub within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) Academic Programs to unify, expand, and elevate the school’s diverse paid internship opportunities, including placements at the Rutgers Gardens, Rutgers Ecological Preserve, Chrysler Herbarium, Haskin Shellfish Research Lab, and Rutgers NJAES farms and field stations.

The ExCEL Lab makes experiential learning more accessible for students facing financial challenges.  Through funded internships, students gain valuable skills, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities in sustainability, research, agriculture, conservation, policy, and other fields, advancing Rutgers' commitment to education and public service.

Students doing research in the field.

Why Is Experiential Learning Important?

Experiential learning connects classroom knowledge with real-world experiences. It helps students apply what they learn, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for future careers.

SEBS has been committed to providing students with accessible, high-quality educational opportunities that support learning, engagement, and career readiness for 40 years. Experiential learning is woven into the fabric of who we are and how we foresee our students interacting with the world at large.

Engage

SEBS students participate in hands-on experiences outside the classroom, working with faculty, researchers, and industry professionals to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Learn

These experiences deepen understanding of coursework, strengthen critical thinking skills, and support personal and professional growth.

Discover

Through practical learning and reflection, students explore their interests, identify career goals, broaden their perspectives, and develop a stronger appreciation for their communities.

In Their Own Words

Rosy Andrade headshot.
Rosy Andrade (Plant Science)

For Rosahirene “Rosy” Andrade Cordova, gardening began very simply as a hobby in her yard. But as she watched plants grow and discovered the satisfaction of caring for them, she began to recognize something deeper.  Today, that early connection has grown into an academic interest and professional career trajectory. Rosy is gaining practical skills and applied knowledge through an experiential learning opportunity at Healthy Harvest, the SEBS food access and urban agriculture hub.

Ariadna Sosa headshot.
Ariadna Sosa (Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources)

For Rutgers senior Ariadna Sosa, a passion for wildlife that began in childhood has grown into a commitment to understanding ecosystems and protecting the natural world. Through an experiential learning project at the Rutgers Ecological Preserve, Sosa is exploring the relationships between native wildflowers and the insects that pollinate them, gaining practical research skills while helping others appreciate the importance of insect conservation.