5 Questions with Erin Couture: The Power of Experiential Learning
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 3, 2025) — Erin Couture joined the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) in 2018 as an academic advisor and now serves as the director of student experiences.
In this role, Couture manages CEHC’s professional development programming initiatives, oversees applied learning coursework, and manages internships, peer education, capstone and undergraduate research programs.
She also oversees many CEHC events hosted each semester to engage students, including this week’s “State of Grace.” Named after computer programmer and inventor Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, the annual event offers students opportunities to polish their resumes and interview skills, network with employers, and participate in a number of workshops and relevant discussions.
State of Grace is free and open to students of all majors. It takes place at the ETEC research and development complex and Campus Center through Friday.
We caught up with Couture to learn more about the importance of experiential learning and how she is helping to prepare CEHC students for the workforce.
What inspired you to make the transition from an academic advisor?
In my current role as director of student experiences, I oversee a wide range of experiential learning initiatives, from internships and capstone projects to peer education and professional development programming for students within CEHC. I’m focused on helping students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers and future aspirations.
When I was an academic advisor, I loved working one-on-one with students and helping them plan their academic paths. Over time, I realized I wanted to expand that impact to help all CEHC students gain hands-on experiences that build confidence and future readiness. That inspired my transition into this role, where I help shape programs and partnerships that directly prepare students for life after graduation.
Why is it important for students to learn outside of the classroom?
Learning outside of the classroom provides students the opportunity to apply theory to practice and to see how the concepts they’re studying come to life in real-world environments. It also helps them develop professional and interpersonal skills like teamwork, communication and problem solving. These experiences give students a clearer sense of their strengths and interests and help them build the confidence, connections, and practical skills they need to successfully transition into their future careers.
How does CEHC ensure that all students have experiential learning opportunities before they graduate?
Experiential learning is embedded into the CEHC curriculum through internships, research opportunities, peer education and capstone experiences. Our Emergency Management and Homeland Security majors are required to complete 100 training hours before graduation.
We’ve built strong partnerships with agencies, organizations and employers across sectors, giving students access to a broad range of opportunities that align with their interests. In addition, we keep students connected and informed through our weekly Wednesday emails highlighting current internship opportunities, employer information sessions and professional development workshops we host, which help them prepare for and make the most of these experiences.
Why should students be excited about State of Grace?
State of Grace is CEHC’s celebration of women in STEAM and one of our most engaging events of the year. It features interactive sessions like a cybersecurity competition and an AI and informatics escape room, designed to let students celebrate and experience technology through our different curricular areas. It’s a fun, hands-on way for students to connect, collaborate and be inspired by innovation across the various disciplines in CEHC.
New this year, the CEHC makerspace and UAlbany Game Center are teaming up at State of Grace for a Makers and Gamers Mashup night where students can get hands-on with 3D printing and battle it out in tabletop and video games.
We are also hosting our annual Lego challenge next Tuesday. The free event is open to children ages 6 to 10 in the Capital Region. Kids will get the chance to tackle exciting Lego building challenges and explore emerging technologies with support from faculty, staff and students in the CEHC community.
What is your favorite part about working as a director of student experiences?
The best part of my job is seeing students discover what excites them and watching their confidence grow as they take on new challenges. I love hearing stories about how an internship or project helped a student clarify their career goals or opened doors they hadn’t considered. It’s also incredibly rewarding when alumni reach out to share their successes and reflect on how their CEHC experiences helped shape their career paths. It’s a great reminder of the lasting impact of experiential learning.