Experiences

Environmental Studies Experiences

The process of hands-on-inquiry is basic to an education in Environmental Studies. Our courses, from the introductory to upper-level, involve student experiences in research. If you want, you can do more. There are opportunities (and funding) for doing your own project or helping out Environmental Studies faculty in their work.

*Note: If you are interested in an honors thesis, more information can be found here.

Research Labs and Programs

We have faculty working in a variety of areas across campus. Here are some opportunities.

  • Dr. Brendan Galipeau & Dr. Marcello Graziano - Leapfrogging the Finger Lakes: Building Resilient, Place-Based Wine Economies through Community Collaboration and Sustainabile Innovation
  • Dr. Divya Gupta - From Crisis to Capacity: Mapping Community-Based Resilience in Broome County
  • Dr. George Homsy - Sustainability Leadership and Administration Project
  • Dr. David Mixter - (1) Actuncan Archeological Project: Urban politics and sustainability of the pre-Colonial Maya (2) Imagining Broome: Ethnography of meaning-making in Broom County's post-industrial built landscape (3) Climate Change Attitudes, Emotions, and Storytelling in Broom and Tioga County: how local people make sense of climate change.
  • Dr. Kirsten Prior - Prior Ecology Lab
  • Dr. Søren Warland - Faculty in residence for College in the Woods Environmental Action and Studies Living and Learning Community
  • Frequently Asked Research Lab and Program Questions

    How do students get into a professor's research program?

    Students who work in professors' research programs are enrolled in ENVI 397. 

    What is the application process for new students interested in research?

    1. Study the faculty research programs. Talk with faculty. Read through the latest publications to see if you can imagine yourself doing similar work.
    2. Meet with a faculty member and talk with them about doing research, independent study, and/or a senior thesis.

    How do students get registered?

    When it is time to register for the intended semester, go to the Environmental Studies Program Advisor office and set up registration for an independent study.

    1. The number of credit-hours is variable, but most sign up for 4 credits.
    2. Be sure to save at least 12 hours a week (and even more!) for working on your research. Make sure that those hours are in big blocks of time, with a good portion during the normal work day.
    3. It is up to you and the professor to agree on the grading option.
    4. Usually independent studies and thesis classes are done as a graded option (A-F).
    5. You must get this project set up the semester before you start.
    6. Before intersession or summer break, ask for reading material so you will be prepared when you return.

    Is it possible to continue doing research next semester?

    Yes, if your faculty advisor agrees. You would then register in ENVI 497 by talking to the Environmental Studies Advisor.

    The Schumann Award–What is involved and how should students get started?

    The Environmental Studies Program grants the special Schumann Award to students who have done well in research and have written an honors thesis that has been accepted by a thesis committee. This award includes funds to cover research. Applications are due in mid-September of your senior year.

    Can students credit for doing research at another institution?

    You arrange this as an internship before hand. For more details, see Internships.

    Can students start the research experience earlier?

    Students can start earlier through the First Year Research Immersion Program.

Campus Funding for Undergraduate Students in Environmental Studies

Summer and Winter Field School Opportunities

Take part in field-based classes offered outside of the academic semester! 

ENVI 427/527 - Managing Ecosystems: Everglades (Winter)
Spend winter break in the Florida Everglades! This course offers students an immersive exploration of key ecological systems—such as mangroves, sloughs, and estuaries. Students engage in hands-on research, site visits, and discussions with local experts. Course will require an additional program fee.

ENVI 481W/581W - White Mountain Environmental Field School (Summer)
Based in White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, this field school combines environmental history with practical, on-the-ground land management experience. Students will develop an understanding of complex issues and challenges around resource management within the context of 200 years of trail history. Students will actively participate in trail stewardship, environmental monitoring, and research on the Franconia Ridge Trail and Crawford Path. Course will require an additional program fee.

Internship Opportunities

Taking part in an internship is a great way to get applied experience. Potential environmental studies internship organizations can be found here.

Fall/Spring Internships

  • Fall and spring internships can be taken as course credit through the Fleishman Career Center's CDCI program.
  • Once your internship has been approved by CDCI and you would like to receive ENVI major credit, you need to fill out the ENVI Major Credit Form for CDCI Internship.

*Note: In order to receive ENVI major credit, the internship must relate to environmental studies/sustainability.

Summer Internships

*Note: Internships with the Natural Land Steward, Dylan Horvath, should be taken as ENVI 495 during the fall/spring semesters.