The
Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers many field and research
opportunities for undergrads. The dynamic geologic history of the
Pacific Northwest provides students with plenty of opportunities for
local field work.
ESS students have also studied in Death Valley,
Hawaii, the Philippines, and other areas. Below is a sample of the
many field and research opportunities for ESS undergrads.
Undergraduate Research at the University of Washington
The Undergraduate Research Program at
the University of Washington provides extensive information for students who would like
to get involved in research opportunities. Their website includes information on
preparing for research, finding research, workshops and resources to help you, getting
credit, getting
funded and getting published.
Research in the
ESS Department
Currently, there are no
formal arrangements, and students typically connect with faculty after having
a class with them, or by "word of mouth." Perhaps the best way to
get started is to take the initiative, talk to other students or your TA's and
by approaching faculty and simply asking what they have available.
In 2002-2003, 45 undergraduates worked with ESS faculty members on research projects.
These students worked at least one quarter for 10 hours a week.
The chart
of Research Areas in the department gives a good picture of which faculty
are doing different kinds of research. Notices of research possibilities are
also listed on the website of the UW
Undergraduate Research Program.
With the permission of any faculty adviser, undergraduate students may register
for ESS 499 Undergraduate Research. (Please note that these credits do not count
toward those required to complete the major.)
NASA Washington Space Grant Consortium
has summer research opportunities for students in Earth and Space Sciences. Visit
the website for more
information.
ESS Field Camp
Students search
for glacial evidence in Montana.
A six-week summer
field course in Southwest Montana is required for all undergrads acquiring
a B.S. degree. Students gain experience in observing, recording, describing,
and interpreting different kinds of rocks and surficial deposits.
Field camp also includes trips to areas like Yellowstone and the Grand
Tetons. "Field Camp was a challenging experience, but it
was definitely worth it. It was rewarding to take what I learned in
the classroomand apply it to real situations. Not
only did I gain invaluable field experience, I also had a lot of fun!"
Hawaii
The ESS Department helped the GEO
Club coordinate several trips to Hawaii, most recently Spring
Break 2002.
Winter 2001 students on the rim of the new caldera and caldera lake.
Click picture to enlarge.
Philippines
Adventuresome undergraduate and graduate students spent the whole
of Winter 2001 studying volcanology, geomorphology, and ore deposits
in the Philippines, mostly around Mt. Pinatubo. An unforgettable experience!
Mt. St. Helens trip 2001.
Mount
St. Helens
UW is fortunate to have Mount St. Helens in its backyard! Early each
Fall Qtr, weekend field trips introduce undergrad and grad students
to the dramatic 1980 eruption and its muddy aftermath, and to ongoing
research and monitoring.
Students hiking
to the summit of Mt. Baker.
Mt.
Baker
On the first Saturday of the quarter, the ESS 431 class takes an all-day
field trip to Easton Glacier on Mt. Baker, to examine the snow and ice
of the glacier itself, as well as the erosional and depositional features
in the surrounding landscapes that were created by the glacier. Look
at the field
trip handout for more information.
UW Undergrad Research
Program
The UW
Undergrad Research Program (URP) helps students find current research
opportunities across many disciplines. The program also helps students obtain
academic credit and seek funding. See the URP
website for more information.
