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This paper celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, presents a retrospective of twenty years of aerogel research at Union College, a baccalaureate-granting institution. Development of a rapid supercritical extraction method for aerogel fabrication and subsequent contributions to the sol-gel literature in the areas of aerogel windows for sustainable buildings, hydrophobic aerogels for a variety of applications including drag reduction, and catalytic aerogels for automotive pollution mitigation are highlighted. Engaging in multidisciplinary research on remarkable materials that can contribute to addressing global challenges is inherently motivating for students early in their academic careers as well as for faculty members. Opportunities and challenges associated with establishing and maintaining a productive academic research program when most students are available to participate only in shorter-term projects are discussed.