Research Immersive Summer Experience (RISE)
What is RISE?
RISE (Research Immersive Summer Experience) is a new summer research program designed to provide hands-on experience for undergraduate students interested in environmental and energy research. Students will work closely with a College of the Environment faculty advisor in developing and engaging in a research project. Students will be paid to participate part-time (20 hrs/week) over 8-10 weeks, from June 24 through mid-August.
What to expect?
Research Experience:
- Collaborative research led by faculty mentors on diverse topics such as energy studies, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and disaster risk reduction.
- Conduct research in various field and laboratory environments while receiving project-specific training, including using laboratory instruments and techniques, data gathering and analysis, and more.
- Read more about the available faculty research projects below.
Professional Development:
- Training on research methods, fieldwork techniques, data collection and analysis, and more.
- In addition to technical training, participants will engage in professional development opportunities covering topics such as:
- Research ethics and integrity
- Developing a research question
- Science communication
- Networking
- Time management and productivity
- Resume building
Mentorship and Support:
- One-on-one research guidance
- Peer Collaboration-team based research projects
- Small cohort of peers
Financial Support:
Financial support for participants up to $4,000 for part-time research participation over 8-10 weeks.
Who is RISE for?
RISE is for motivated first and second year college students with an interest in research, who are first-generation college students.
How to apply?
Applications will open February 14th - 28th. Click here to apply:
Contact information
College of the Environment Contact Information
Environmental Studies 539, MS9079
College of the Environment on Facebook College of the Environment on Instagram College of the Environment on LinkedIn
Faculty Research Projects
Dr. Manuel Montaño
The Montaño group focuses on the development and application of environmental analytical chemistry tools and techniques for the study of emerging contaminants. Current projects have involved the development of tracers to study microplastic behavior, the study of nanopesticide impacts on wetland mesocosms, and the release of polymer additives and plasticizers from polymer nanocomposites. We are seeking a motivated and curious aspiring environmental scientist to engage in projects utilizing Raman confocal microscopy to understand the properties and behavior of emerging contaminants. With this exciting technique we can explore how chemical environments change as a response to chemical stressors.
Contact Dr. Manuel Montaño for more information and how to get involved.
Dr. Ian Moran
Our ecotoxicology team investigates the effects of environmental pollutants on the behavior and physiology of aquatic organisms. Current projects include behavioral toxicity tests to characterize the impact of chemical exposure on motor behavior, feeding, and respiration in Oncorhynchus mykiss (steelhead). Students will work on a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team to address knowledge gaps relevant to the management of federally listed endangered species. Students will receive hands-on training and experience with aquaculture and aquatic toxicology experiments. Successful candidates will be reliable, organized, and enthusiastic about conservation and applied science.
Please contact Dr. Ian Moran with questions or inquiries.
Dr. Rebekah Paci-Green
The Resilience Institute focuses on helping communities prepare for natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, and heat waves. Current projects include understanding community perception of sea level rise and coastal flooding. We are seeking a curious, motivated aspiring undergraduate researcher to survey residents and analyze social media posts about these hazards. We will explore what people have experienced, what they believe, and what actions they are already taking to protect themselves and their communities.
Contact Dr. Rebekah Paci-Green for more information and how to get involved.
Dr. Froylán Sifuentes
Our Just Energy Transition Lab investigates the role of environmental, technological, and social factors in decision making towards a decarbonized energy economy. Current projects include developing and implementing strategies to allocate resources for renewable energy projects that have the best environmental and social outcomes in Washington. Students will collaborate in an interdisciplinary team to gather energy, census, and technical data on community energy projects in Washington. Students will receive training and/or further their experience with energy databases, data analysis, geospatial tools and R and Python. Successful candidates will have a growth mindset and be enthusiastic about clean energy and equity considerations of our energy transition.
Contact Dr. Froylan Sifuentes for more information and for how to get involved.