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Research

Summer Research

Students can take part in faculty-led research projects over the summer. Recent projects including the geography of Eritrea, mapping terrorism threat and investigating coastal dunes. Positions include a $3,700 stipend for 10 weeks of summer research.

The positions are funded through the Science Division Summer Research Program , McGregor Undergraduate Research Program and research grants to faculty.

Watch for postings through these programs and in the GEO Department in January and February to apply for a summer research position.

Academic Year Research

GEO majors regularly assist professors with their research during the academic year. Recent projects have included Columbia Basin ecosystem management, coal deposits in Alaska, and Michigan coastal dunes.

These research positions are usually paid, though some may be worked into for-credit independent studies. Speak with your advisor or other GEO faculty member to find out about academic-year research positions. Also, watch bulletin boards and GEO department e-mails for position postings.

Independent/External Research

GEO majors are also encouraged to pursue research opportunities with agencies outside of Calvin University. Watch GEO bulletin boards and talk to your professors to learn about external research opportunities.

Past research has included:

  • Summer of 2014: Joel Betts worked through the Au Sable institute to study the effects of dam removal on stream ecosystem health.
  • Summer 2010: geology major Adam Koster worked in Houston, TX, as a Lunar and Planetary Institute rocks from MarsSummer Intern.
  • Summer 2008: geography major David Young worked in Hawaii as a part of NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program.