The Impossible Project is a method of learning and teaching resiliency and justice work developed by Dr. Dalia Caraballo Muller, Director of CESR and Associate Professor (Department of Africana Studies). Rooted in Africana Theory, anti-racism, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Impossible Project creates space and dialogue to tackle “impossible” problems through B.E.N.D.:
- Build collective resilience
- Enhance creative critical thinking
- Nurture true collaboration
- Discover purpose through dedication to social and planetary good
Impossible Project at the University of Pittsburgh
The inaugural Impossible Project at the University of Pittsburgh took place in Fall 2025 among faculty. Dr. Caraballo Muller invited several faculty members from all over the Oakland campus to participate, assembling a cross-disciplinary team of 10 faculty members from 4 schools and 8 departments to explore the question: “How do we build and sustain a multi-ethnic democracy in the era of generative AI?”
The Fall 2025 Faculty Impossible Project concluded with a Finale on December 4, 2025 in which Dr. Caraballo Muller and the inaugural team discussed their experiences and the concepts they worked on using the B.E.N.D. process, as well as participated in a Q&A session with the audience.
What’s Next for the Impossible Project at Pitt?
With the success of the inaugural Faculty Impossible Project at Pitt complete, Dr. Carballo Muller and CESR are hard at work developing the inaugural Student Impossible Project, coming in Fall 2026. Stay tuned for more information!
How Can You Help Support the Impossible Project at Pitt?
There are multiple ways to contribute support to the Impossible Project:
Donate to CESR—any amount makes CESR programming like the Impossible Project “Possible at Pitt.” Make a difference today with a financial gift by checking out our Donate page.
Share our news-- subscribe to the newsletter, share our social media posts & stories, and spread the word about CESR and our Initiatives and programming.
Volunteer-- CESR often needs a few extra hands to make events a true success. Email cesr@pitt.edu to inquire about being a volunteer. Upcoming events where we'll need help include: LatinxConnect Conference 2026 (April 16 & 17) and the Future of Area Studies Conference (May 8-10).
Find Out More!
Participation in the Impossible Project is currently by invitation only. If you are interested or would like to bring the Impossible Project experience to your organization, please contact Dr. Caraballo Muller at daliam@pitt.edu.
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