If you do the CARE/MPEE, you will be a part of the Research Scholars program that was started here this year. Technically any project you want to do has to run through the school since the outside facility may need malpractice insurance on ur behalf and since u are representing the school. If you choose to not do CARE/MPEE and do ur own research or volunteering thats fine, it just won't be officially recognized in the deans letter u will get. Officially recognized as in the school won't say you did it through the school or whatever.