Undergraduate Students
Explore the Wonders of Soil Through One of Our Many Courses:
Soil is far more than dirt! it’s a living, dynamic system full of life, chemistry, and physical processes that sustain our planet. In our courses, you’ll explore microbes, chemical reactions, and soil systems, while learning how to apply this knowledge through hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and real-world projects. You’ll tackle topics like sustainable land management, soil contamination, urban gardening, and environmental restoration, gaining skills that are both scientifically rigorous and socially meaningful. Whether you’re interested in environmental science, agriculture, urban planning, or public health or just curious about the living world beneath your feet, our courses connect theory with practice and reveal the hidden wonders of soil.
We also offer exciting summer internship opportunities that allow students to dive into real, hands-on soil science research. Interns work alongside faculty and graduate researchers on field-based and laboratory projects, gaining experience in soil sampling, environmental analysis, and data interpretation. From collecting samples in the field to analyzing results in the lab, students are fully immersed in the research process. Throughout the summer, interns develop their own projects, build professional research skills, and have the opportunity to present their findings through posters or flash talks. These internships are designed to be collaborative, engaging, and impactful giving students practical experience, mentorship, and a chance to contribute to research that matters! It’s an ideal opportunity to explore careers in environmental science while building confidence, skills, and a strong foundation for future research or graduate study.
Interested in Hands-On Research During the Academic Year?
Students are encouraged to get involved in hands-on research throughout the academic year. You can reach out directly to graduate students or postdoctoral researchers to learn about ongoing projects and discuss opportunities to join research teams during the quarter. With mentorship and guidance, motivated students may even develop their own independent research projects, gaining valuable experience in experimental design, fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific communication. In addition, be on the lookout for undergraduate research postings throughout the year. Some opportunities may offer paid positions as undergraduate research assistants, while others can be used for research credit, independent study units, or capstone projects.