"The ELab gave me my Masters Degree! At least that’s how I see it anyway. Getting to hear the stories of our neighbors in such a safe space was transformational. Never will I ever forget my time with such a great group of humans. Raging against the machine creates a unique bond, you know…"

— Destiny C.

"Congratulations on being the change you want to see in the world. This lab was a bat signal for civic-minded ProSocial folks like myself. I've been told about 20 times from people who have come from your lab that I'd be right at home here. Can't wait to see where you land."

— Daniel K., City of Boston

"I agree with the speaker who said that the Engagement Lab has made me feel: 'I want to be more like them!' It's the combination of dope ideas, elegant implementation, savvy about institutions, and real respect for people that's so hard to find."

— Peter L.

"Thank you for setting the tone for me to have a healthy experience in the Impact Producing class."

— Alexis S.

"Many meaningful memories of sharing, creating, and making impact with ELab folks! Hope there is a way to keep it going."

— Robert + Sheri, Dreamers Inc.

"I remember our early morning meetings opening with the Principles of Peace. I always opened with faith. Faith in the work, faith in our communities, and faith that our mission to transform racist narratives of gun violence would be fruitful."

— Anonymous

"The Media Design program and the Engagement Lab were fundamental in jumpstarting my career and passions for civic design + technology."

— Kathleen C.

"This program is a great way to give Emerson students the opportunity to develop their skills telling stories that impact the community. I'm so proud to have had this collaborative opportunity."

— Theresa L.

"The ELab has felt like home since the moment I got to Emerson. I'll carry this community with me long after I leave :)"

— Gracie R.

"You create brave space for survivors to step into their truth and their leadership. Thank you!!"

— Anonymous

“Loved partnering with you all over the years.” 

— Anna F.

“Gave me a voice to speak-out and let me tell my story.” 

— LeeAnn T.

“The Engagement Lab sparked a fire within me that I plan to carry with me for the rest of my career.” 

— Leo B.

“My strongest memory is the first production of QUIET ROOMS. It set the bar for the work the Engagement Lab was capable of.” 

— Theodore “Regge” L.

“This was a great experience meeting, connecting and sharing with the students and staff during my class session. We became a family.” 

— Seraphina T.

“This class was amazing! Not only did it teach you how to tell you story with confidence and props (that we made) but, it taught me how to reclaim my narrative or my story.”

— Carla R.

“I remember truly being able to open up and share my story through a class at the ELab. The professors and students were some of the most welcoming, hardworking and thoughtful people I have come across :) ” 

— Taylor L. 

“I am so sad that this cross disciplinary, cross community initiative is coming to a close. Working closely with community partners to theorize, problem solve, and create together is what higher education should be all about.” 

— Emily S. 

“inCitu was profiled in the ELab’s Solving for Trust report, which had loads of insights for our work. Were so grateful to the community for helping chart pathways forward for emergin tech to meaningfully contribute to new paradigms in community engagement and institutional listening.” 

— Nick K.

“I was moved by the work that Tushar’s class did ­— a story rooted in the conservation work by Zoo New England but told with such tenderness and appreciation for the wildlife that they played. 

They were dedicated to telling a story that was truthful and accessible for younger audiences and their hard work truly paid off.”

— Katra L.

“I had an amazing time working at the Engagement Lab as a student. I learned so much from Tyler and I always felt welcomed and as part of the team. 

I got step out of my comfort zone, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment. 

I’ll always have fond memories of my time at the Lab, and it will definitely be one of the highlights of my time at Emerson College!”

— Ashley R.

“I was fortunate enough to spend a sabbatical semester with you all at the Engagement Lab, and my own approach to partnership for impact was transformed by working with you all and simply observing the way that you all work. 

Your influence in Boston and the broader academic community will be deeply missed, but I celebrate the lasting impact you all have been able to create. The ELab lives on in my work!”

— Scott H.

“The Engagement Lab was a huge inspiration to me and my own PhD research. It was a great model for how to turn critical theory into critical practice and how to approach community partnerships with care. It made visible the innovative and creative opportunities for teaching and scholarship that can exist in collaboration with communities.

Rachele and Eric’s dedication to the work was palpable — and I hope to emulate that kind of care in my own praxis. Farewell to the space, but not the work! Your work continues to inspire new scholarship and I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

— Jessi B.

“During the community presentation of a virtual reality project created by our class, a grandmother and her daughter worked together on the virtual peace play activity. Later, the grandmother remarked that her daughter had never been interested in her healing journey at the Peace Institute. However, that evening, they bonded over the virtual reality headset. 

The project had an unexpected benefit for the community, bringing multiple generations closer together in the work to transform narratives of gun violence. Our class hoped the community would benefit from our work, and we were excited to see the positive impacts of the demo that evening.

— David K.

“I would have never been able to learn about or become the digital product designer I am today, serving the needs of millions of residents through my employment with CivicPlus if not for the Engagement Lab. 

More importantly, my drive and purpose to focus on the intersections between technology and civic responsibility wouldn’t exist without the mentorship and working relationships I had with Eric Gordon and Paul Mihailidis. 

Thank you for all the time energy and commitment you put into this space and community.”

— Jordan P.

“I have taken two courses with the ELab, one from each Transforming Narratives for Environmental Justice and Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence. I 100% would’ve taken more ELab courses if I weren’t going to LA and graduating. The ELab is one of the best things Emerson College has to offer to students that want to make a real change in the community. Working with local organizations and people living in Boston, I learned so much from the community partners that also attended our classes through hearing their personal stories on how they have been impacted by environmental and gun violence issues. The classes I were in immediately became close with each other: we shared ideas, laughs, and accomplishments. 

In order to truly make systematic changes in communities, we must invite the voices of those communities and collaborate with them for solutions. This is exactly what the ELab did, and it worked amazingly. My classes worked to help local organizations through research, social media, filmmaking, etc. And they, in turn, helped change the extremely prevalent issues in the communities of Boston. 

I really wish every future Emerson student could have the chance to experience what I experienced through the ELab.”

— Katherine

“What sad news!! Was first introduced to the engagement lab my sophomore year when I stumbled upon the co-design course with Eric. Immediately fell in love with all it had to offer and it’s social impact initiatives. The engagement lab allowed me to become connected with the greater Boston community and my peers. I learned about the importance and value of co design and storytelling. I have  taken that insight with me in all the work I have done. Thank you for all of your work! It is crucial and powerful.”

— Bella E.

“When I came to Emerson as an MFA student in 2014, my first job was at the Engagement Lab. I was a research assistant working on cool projects that were centered around community wellbeing. Years later I made videos for their research projects. Engagement Lab is dear to me and I am sad it is closing. I can’t believe a lab that was doing such important research and creating social impact is not part of our college anymore.”

— Ulya A.

“The Engagement Lab Team are a group of pioneers. Your unique approach certainly is refreshing, invigorating and productive. 

It is such a shame that it is being discontinued. It brought Emerson a unique brand and great value to the communities in the area!”

Thank you!

— John L.