FYRES at Calvin

Learning about science by doing science is the heart of the FYRES experience. Students investigate interesting questions about Lake Michigan coastal dunes, and the resulting knowledge is used by dune managers and scientists working with the dunes.

Research

First-semester Calvin students, alongside more-experienced student mentors, design and implement studies focused on dunes along the Lake Michigan coast. Cutting-edge methods and equipment combined with solid research designs produce strong results under the guidance of professor and dune scientist Deanna van Dijk. While doing research, students get an insider view of the process of science.

Learn

First-year students earn science core credit for the FYRES course and mentors gain paid experience in their major or area of study. The hands-on learning is effective and rewarding.

Engage

FYRES project discoveries make a real-world impact in the activities of dune managers and scientists. Students have opportunities for public outreach as well as research communication.

Current in FYRES

Application forms are open for FYRES 2023 students and mentors.

We are again back to Lake Michigan dunes for Fall 2023 and the dune we built on campus for Fall 2020 is continuing as a teaching-learning-research space.