- Research Honors Program
- Abstract Publication Instructions
- Animal Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Biology & Society
- Entomology
- Honors Program Requirements
- Information Science
- Landscape Studies
- Natural Resources
- Nutritional Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Plant Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Thesis Formatting Instructions
Faculty director: J. B. Yavitt, chair
The Research Honors Program in Natural Resources involves original, independent research that generates novel findings in applied ecology and resource policy and management. Students learn how to design and carry out research under the direct supervision and guidance of a faculty member or senior research associate in the department. Most students in the program begin their research before the start of the senior year, often in the summer after their junior year. Students may enroll and receive credit in independent study (NTRES 4991 Honors Research in Natural Resources) during their honors research. The research findings are presented in a written thesis that is reviewed by two experts in the field. Many theses have been published in leading journals in the disciplinary area of the research. Although the format is not prescribed, the thesis usually consists of a short introduction, relevant materials and methods, a concise presentation of the meaningful data, a discussion, and the student’s interpretation of the conclusions. Students also give an oral presentation of their research findings in a special symposium hosted by the department in early May.
Students should adhere to the following schedule.
Junior Year:
- File an informal application with the faculty director. The application includes a project description and advisor information.
Senior Year:
- Register for NTRES 4991 before the add deadline (fall and spring).
- Sixth week of the fall semester: Submit formal application to faculty director (16 Fernow Hall).
- March 31: Thesis should be close to completion.
- April 15: Submit two copies of the thesis to the faculty director for ad hoc reviews.
- May 4: Pick up ad hoc reviewers' comments from the faculty director.
- May 15: Submit two copies of the final thesis: one for the college, one for the program director.
- Week of May 25: Students will be notified of the decision, and the faculty director will recommend that each approved student graduate with "Distinction in Research."