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Undergraduate Research at Emory

Opportunities for involvement of undergraduates in independent or guided research projects with ENVS faculty abound. Not only does the pursuit of research as an undergraduate reflect well on transcripts and resumes regardless of your future goals, but it also gives you insight into the processes by which knowledge is gained, questioned and presented. Whether you undertake research for class credit (ENVS 299, ENVS 399, ENVS495 or ENVS499,), as a part time job, or as a volunteer activity, you are sure to benefit from your experience and the opportunity to work closely with faculty and students on a project of interest.

Research for Course Credit

The ENVS research sequence  (299R, 399R and 495 or 499) is for students who may be considering careers in research and who seek intensive, structured and progressive research training. Students usually begin this sequence as Sophomores.  See NEW FOR FALL 2009 for 299R and 399R descriptions.
499, Individual Research, may also be taken for just one semester or two, usually in the Senior year, and independent of the ENVS research sequence. This option serves students planning to apply to graduate school who would like a taste of rigorous research training for a specific independent research project.  May also be taken as a writing-intensive course.
ENVS 495, Honors Research: ENVS majors with with a 3.5 overall GPA are invited to apply to the Honors Program, conducted during their Senior year. Students who are interested in the program should contact the faculty departmental Honors coordinator  in their Junior year.For more further information regarding research for course credit, please contact the ENVS Director of Undergraduate Studies, John Wegner (404-727-4216).

New for Fall 2009:

ENVS 299, Fundamentals of ENVS Research: Designed primarily for sophomores, this course provides ENVS students with a structured means of receiving research training under the supervision of a faculty member (as well as affiliated graduate students or post doctoral researchers). Students will learn foundational skills for research in a field of environmental studies including: training in lab or field techniques, data collection, organization and analysis, and literature search and review.  While the student is not expected to carry out a full project independently, this course will provide a stepping stone to more advanced independent work later in the student’s career. Although not required, this course can be a first step in the ENVS research sequence (ENVS 299, 399, and 495 /499).   This sequence is highly recommended for students planning to pursue careers in research.  ENVS 299 is a variable credit course (1-8 credit hours). If you are interested in enrolling in ENVS 299, contact the ENVS Director of Undergraduate Studies, John Wegner (404-727-4216).
ENVS 299 Grading Criteria and Student Contract link

ENVS 399, Intro to Independent Research:  This course is intended for students who have had some prior introduction to research, either in ENVS 299, Fundamentals of ENVS Research, or in another class or field, and who are interested in furthering their knowledge of the research process through independent work under the supervision of an ENVS faculty member (as well as affiliated post doctoral researchers). Students will develop and refine environmental studies research skills including: training in lab or field techniques, data collection, organization and analysis, and literature search and review. Students may contribute to manuscript preparation.  Students will be expected to develop a plan for independent research, including methods and literature review.  While the student is not expected to carry out a full project independently, this course can provide a foundation to more advanced independent work later in the student’s career. This course, in conjunction with ENVS 299R, may act as a stepping stone for student involvement in independent projects as seniors. Although not a required pre-requisite, it is particularly geared towards students intending to enroll in ENVS 499 Individual Research or ENVS 495 Honors Research. ENVS 399 is a variable credit course (1-8 credit hours).  If you are interested in enrolling in ENVS 399, contact the ENVS Director of Undergraduate Studies, John Wegner (404-727-4216).
ENVS 399 Grading Criteria and Student Contract link

Finding a Research Mentor

If you are interested in getting involved in research as an undergraduate, in addition to the link above, another first step is to find out what projects and topics are currently being undertaken by faculty. Faculty web pages are usually a great place to start. Once you have identified a faculty member whose research interests match your own or whose current projects seem exciting, set up a meeting with that faculty member to discuss your interest in their research, and any opportunities for getting involved. You may also want to set up a meeting with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, John Wegner, who can help you find a good faculty match.

If you are unsure about your interests and would like to brainstorm potential topics or learn more about research in general, developing research questions, or preparing for a meeting with faculty, you might want to set up a meeting with the ENVS departmental librarian, Kristan Majors, who will be happy to help you out. You are also always welcome to drop by the department and talk to our Program Development Coordinator, Stefanie Pierce, about your interests.

Once you have narrowed down your ideas and are ready to get started on an undergraduate research project, be sure to check out the Environmental Studies department's opportunities for funding, such as the Lester grant or the Turner grant, as well as the alternative resources available through Emory College.

Additional Undergraduate Research Programs at Emory:

Emory has programs in place to help undergrads get started in research. Check out the links to the following programs for more information!

Interdisciplinary Science Program for Integrating Research into Education (INSPIRE)

The INSPIRE program provides a framework within which motivated incoming freshmen take a special course sequence to introduce them to and prepare them for research experiences they can have as undergraduates. If you are a prospective student interested in the sciences and excited about research, check out the INSPIRE program website for more information.

Scholarly Inquiry and Research at Emory (SIRE)

The SIRE program provides funding for any undergraduate in good academic standing to participate in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Environmental Studies students who apply for SIRE fellowships are usually jointly funded through the ENVS department's own Lester Research grant.

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

Students interested in pursuing research in the natural sciences during the summer may apply to the SURE program.

Additional summer research opportunites on Emory's campus are funded through the Summer Research Partner Program for social sciences and humanities. Students interested in international research in natural science may apply for funding through the International Research Experience for Science Students (IRES) program.