Research and Experiential Learning

Scholarship Opportunities 

The Miller Scholarship in Environmental Studies is an annual $2,500 scholarship awarded to a qualifying Environmental Studies student for Fall Quarter. The scholarship is open to all Environmental Studies majors that: 1) have a minimum GPA of 3.0;  2) have completed 90+ credits towards their degree; and  3) have submitted a valid FAFSA for the academic year. The award is to support academic related expenses for continued study in the Environmental Studies program. The scholarship application is open in Spring Quarter and the scholarship is awarded for use in the following Fall Quarter.

CEJS Fellowships Thanks to the generous donations of our CEJS supporters, we will be offering two student research fellowships for the 2022-2023 academic year: the Gary L. Chamberlain Student Research Fellowship and the Francis Student Research Fellowship.

Ecology, Evolution, Environmental and Society Fellowships. The EEES Scholars Program is a workshop designed to diversify the next generation of academic leaders in the fields of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Earth Systems Science and Environmental Social Sciences. We seek motivated students who are curious about graduate careers in the Environment and are looking for support in the graduate school application process. 

Apply for Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships

• The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.  Contact Tanya Hayes for additional information.
• The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates.
• The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation
• Project Drawdown is a world-class research organization that reviews, analyzes and identifies the most viable global climate solutions and shares these findings with the world.
• Challenge Detroit is a competitive leadership and professional development program that invites tomorrow's leaders to live, work, play, give and lead in and around the greater Detroit area.
• The Doris Duke Conservation Scholarship offers opportunities to increase the number of undergraduate students from underrepresented groups who choose to pursue coursework and careers in conservation.
• NSF REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)offers research opportunities for sophomores or juniors, interested in research (and ideally graduate school). Students receive a paid summer research experience at the sponsoring university.
• The NOAA Hollings scholarship is for sophomores with at least a 3.0 GPA interested in environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics, and social sciences including geography and/or hydrology. 
• Goldwater scholarship is for exceptional sophomores or juniors interested in graduate school and a career in research
• The Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) and Mosaics in Science internship program is for motivated undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students (ages 18-30) of Latino heritage. Students receive a paid summer fellowship at one of 30 different National Parks across the U.S.
• The Gary L. Chamberlain Student Research Fellowship honors Dr. Gary Chamberlain who taught at Seattle University from 1979 until 2009. Dr. Chamberlain was a beloved teacher who contributed to the growth of the Environmental Studies Program and encouraged countless students to pursue their passion for environmental advocacy.
• The Francis Student Research Fellowship honors the patron saint of the animals and of ecology, St. Francis of Assisi, and his namesake Pope Francis.
• Learn about additional fellowships and receive application support at the SU Office of Fellowships 

Engage in Unique Student Research

Student Research Program

Undergraduate research is an inquiry or exploration of a topic within an academic discipline by a student that makes an original contribution to the field of study.

Getting involved in student research is a great way to further explore your academic passions and interests. Research opportunities are available for all academic disciplines. The Student Research Program can assist you with organizing, funding, presenting, and even publishing your own research. 

Student Research Program opportunities include:

• Student Research Grants  
• Seattle University Undergraduate Research Association Conference (SUURA)
• Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal (SUURJ)

For more information about the latest SU student research opportunities, visit the Student Research Program site.

Student Research Support Fund

The Environmental Studies Department offers small financial grants to support student research projects and attendance at professional conferences related to sustainability or the environment.  The Application for Funds to Support Student Research is accepted on a rolling basis and awards are subject to fund availability.  

Senior Capstone Project

As an EVST student, you will complete a capstone research project. The issue may be of local, national or international concern, so long as it is an identifiable problem about which you can gather information. The problem that you choose to investigate must:

• have both social and ecological dimensions,
• be of import for understanding and addressing current concerns related to sustainability (broadly defined) 
• be related to your specialization

You will use empirical data (often a mix of published studies, archival data and existent databases) to answer your research question. 

Previous Capstone Projects have considered equity and effectiveness of urban gardens, ways to improve access to farmers' markets, effective organizing practices for farm workers, policies to reduce run-off and the reintroduction of wolves.