Clara Pregitzer germinating seedlings

for her senior research project.

One of the exciting aspects of being an Undergraduate Research Assistant or choosing the Ecological Restoration focus area if you are a forestry major is the opportunity to develop an independent research project or participate in a 160 hour fieldwork experience with a local agency.

Students choose between a FOR 485 Undergraduate Research or a FOR 408 Fieldwork Experience to fulfill their senior project requirement. FOR 485 is appropriate for students who discover new knowledge by conducting a research project. FOR 408 is appropriate for students who work 160 hours in an agency or organization on a restoration-related project. ERI staff are available to assist students in finding an idea for an independent research project or a fieldwork experience that best meets student career goals and academic interests.

All senior projects must be approved in advance by the ERI Student Services Team. Students must submit the appropriate proposal forms. Only those projects that meet the larger goals of the ERI will be approved. Students will be paid to conduct research, analyze data, and/or work 160 hours in an agency, but students cannot be paid for writing the thesis or summary report. The thesis or summary report is done for academic credit and thus is not part of paid employment.

In certain cases, senior projects can be initiated prior to a student becoming a senior.