Student Research
Discovery starts here
Whether you’re studying rock formations in New Mexico, testing water quality in Colorado, or sampling soil here in the Cedar Valley, our department offers a wide variety of unique undergraduate research experiences.
Work one-on-one with professors to support their research, or join your classmates for an unforgettable field experience. In previous years, field experiences have included: Big Bend National Park, Yellowstone, Italy, and more.
When you participate in undergraduate research, you’ll build your resume, develop practical skills that set you apart from the crowd, and have the chance to publish your work for the world to see.
Research Opportunities
Research for credit - During spring and fall semesters, research projects can be undertaken for credit toward your major.
Honors research - Research projects are also a part of the University Honors Program as UNIV 4197 (Honors Thesis).
Summer research - In summers, our department supports several undergraduate students through the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). The program provides a generous stipend for 8 weeks of research under the direction of a faculty member. The program concludes with a conference and presentation of work. More details about SURP.
Our department conducts research in the following areas:
- air quality
- groundwater contamination and environmental water pollution
- the effects of agricultural practices on groundwater quality
- eclipses and comets; archeoastronomy of prehistoric peoples
- the influence of climate on human populations,and the influence of human populations on the climate
- science education teaching methods
- and more!