Undergraduate Research Opportunities

What better way to learn about science than by doing it?

 

Undergraduates in the Department of Geology have the opportunity to conduct research on real world problems in a number of ways. Students can also volunteer in a lab, working with a faculty mentor and their graduate students on research projects, or work on externally funded research projects in the lab or out in the field. Some opportunities may lead to presentations at scientific meetings or publication of results in the open literature. Projects can also involve international travel. Some recent student projects include field work in the North American west, Europe, South America and Australia, or oceanographic work in the Arctic, Atlantic, and South Pacific.
 
Undergraduate Research is an excellent way for students to gain the experience needed to land a competitive internship, get hired in their first job, or gain admittance to graduate school.

In consultation with a faculty mentor and the department Chair, eligible students can propose an Individual Investigation in Geology (GEOL 40096) and earn up to 3 credits toward their degree, or complete a Senior Honors Thesis as partial fulfillment of their Honors Degree. Students interested in completing a Senior Honors Thesis should find a faculty mentor and contact the Honors College no later than during their first semester as a Junior.

Here are some links to help you get started:
  Faculty mentors
  Honors Study in Geology   Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

University Research Council
 
Funding sources for Undergraduate Research   Endowed Undergraduate Internships in Geology

Past Participants

Tim Eyerdom, independent research, Fall 2011

Matt Wayman, B.S. with Honors, 2011

Meghan Court, Student worker, 2010-

Lindsey Brenizer, Student Worker, 2009-2010

Jamael Sadallah, Student Worker, 2009-2010

Daniel Peacock, Summer field assistant, 2009

Mike Farinacci, independent research, Fall 2009

Renee Crane, B.S. 2011, 2008-2011, lab assistant

Robin Green, Summer field assistant, 2008

Bethany Lavins, Bucknell University, Summer 2008 lab assistant

Michael Duff, B.S. student, Undergraduate Research Scholar recipient

Nate Fela, NSF S-STEM fellowship and Undergraduate Research Scholar recipient, B.S. 2007

Lonnie Mills, NSF S-STEM fellowship recipient, B.S. 2007

Lyanne Yurco, B.S. with Honors, 2006

Allie Sherwood, B.S. with Honors, 2006