Undergraduate Research in the Department of Geosciences

The Department of Geosciences offers opportunities for students to engage in the scholarly pursuits of the faculty in the form of undergraduate research projects and senior theses. “Research” is interpreted broadly at OSU to encompass the full range of scholarly activities within the Department and the disciplines of Geology, Geography, and Earth Science.

Participating students will become actively involved in the scholarly pursuits of the faculty in a collaborative learning environment. Departmental research areas include volcanology, petrology, and economic geology, active tectonics, surficial processes and geomorphology, glacial geology and paleoclimatology, water resources and resource geography, and geographic information science. 

The Purpose of Undergraduate Research and Thesis

Undergraduate research and thesis is an opportunity offered by the Department of Geosciences for students with a desire for an enriched learning experience outside of the classroom. Undergraduate research and thesis is an introduction to the principles and practices of scholarly research, and one of the first chances for most students to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real world problems.

An undergraduate research project or thesis provides students the opportunity to:

• Gain a guided introduction to research techniques through interaction with faculty mentors
• Learn advanced field and laboratory techniques and trouble-shooting skills
• Apply academic knowledge by following a research project from inception to completion
• Become familiar with the scholarly literature in your area(s) of research interest
• Determine interest in seeking post-baccalaureate degree(s) or work in research area
• Learn professional writing and presentation skills
• Diversify your academic record

Undergraduate Research Project or Senior Thesis – Which is Right for You?

Students who undertake an undergraduate research project or a senior thesis will work collaboratively with a faculty mentor.  There are no formal departmental requirements for an undergraduate research project. Students may enroll for research credits (GEO 401) and faculty mentors may support the student’s efforts in the form of a student hourly wage. Most faculty mentors will require a written report at the conclusion of the project. 

A senior thesis is the completion of an undergraduate research project culminating in a written thesis and a short presentation of the work. Writing and presenting the thesis provides students with the skills necessary to undertake similar projects in their graduate program or career field. The senior thesis is transcript-visible by enrolling for research (GEO 401) and thesis (GEO 403) credits.  Four credits of senior thesis (GEO 403) may potentially be used as an upper-level elective in the departmental undergraduate degree programs – check with the head advisor for the respective program.

The Department of Geosciences has established step-by-step guidelines for completing a senior thesis; these guidelines may also serve as a framework for undergraduate research projects not culminating in a senior thesis.

Faculty Mentors

The faculty mentor is an invaluable source of wisdom and insight. Most students find that their mentors not only help with the conceptualization, execution, and writing of their research project, but are also a vital resource for information on career paths and graduate schools. They become the faculty member with whom students develop the strongest bond and have the most active working relationships.

Regular communication is essential to success. The student should select a mentor on the basis of his or her expertise, congruence with their interests, and on the prospect of having a good working relationship. Co-mentors are acceptable if appropriate because of interdisciplinary work.

Getting Started

Starting an undergraduate research project or thesis is a two-step process.

• Find a mentor: Students interested in doing an undergraduate research project or thesis should talk directly with faculty whose research areas coincide with the student's own interests. Professors whom students have had in class are an excellent contact for the student to discuss their research interests in order to identify an appropriate mentor. The undergraduate research coordinator in the department (Kaplan Yalcin) can help match the research interests of the student with potential mentors. 

 

• Define a project: Students will work collaboratively with their faculty mentor to define a research project in the form of a short research proposal. Ideally, students identify a faculty mentor during their junior year.   An early start provides time for you to investigate potential thesis topics, which, once articulated, will form your research proposal.  Your research proposal can be used to apply for departmental, university, and outside funding during your junior year (i.e., Geosciences undergraduate research scholarships, applications due in February; Undergraduate Research, Innovation, Scholarship, and Creativity (URISC) awards, applications due in March, etc.). 

Departmental Undergraduate Research Scholarships and other Funding Opportunities

The Department of Geosciences awards scholarships to undergraduate majors working on a research project or senior thesis with a faculty mentor.   These awards are made possible by the Christian John Hunt Memorial Fund (for geography majors) and the Richard W. Chambers Geology Scholarship Fund (for geology and earth science majors). 

Students currently pursuing a baccalaureate degree through the Department of Geosciences at OSU, and who are sophomores or juniors in good academic standing, are eligible to apply for these scholarships.  It is expected that research supported by these awards will be written in the form of a senior thesis.  Awards typically range from $1000 to $3000 (for exceptional research proposals). 

Undergraduate research scholarships are awarded annually during winter term for the following academic year and/or summer. The next deadline to apply is February 18, 2009 for scholarships for summer 2009 and academic year 2009/10. Applications are reviewed competitively and awards will be announced by the end of winter term.  Full details on how to apply can be found here.

Funding for undergraduate research projects is also available through the University-wide Undergraduate Research Innovation, Scholarship, and Creativity (URISC) program.   Students also applying to the URISC program must ensure their proposals also meet the URISC criteria for funding as described on the URSIC website.

Faculty mentors are another excellent source of funding for research projects. Students should contact faculty in their area(s) of interest directly to learn more about current research opportunities.