Natural Resources / Science of Natural and Environmental Systems

Faculty Committee: J. B. Yavitt, chair

The research honors program in Natural Resources involves original, independent research that generates novel findings in applied ecology and resource policy and management. Students learn how to design and carry out research under the direct supervision and guidance of a faculty member or senior research associate in the department.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

Most students begin their research before the start of their senior year, often in the summer after their junior year. Students may enroll and receive credit in independent study (NTRES 4991 Honors Research in Natural Resources) during their honors research.

Students interested in applying to the research honors program in Natural Resources must:

• File an informal application with the faculty director during junior year. The application must include a project description and advisor information.
• Register for NTRES 4991 before the add deadline during both fall and spring semesters of senior year (independent study form required, signed by your research and academic advisor).
• Submit formal application to faculty director (124 Bruckner Hall) by the sixth week of fall semester (senior year).

HONORS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students who are accepted into the Natural Resources Research Honors Program must complete the following in order to graduate with Distinction in Research:

• Attend bi-weekly meetings to discuss their progress throughout the fall and spring semesters of their senior year; and receive credit by enrolling in NTRES 4870 Undergraduate Research Methods, 1 credit (fall and spring).
• Present honors research findings in the form of a written thesis that is reviewed by two experts in the field; many theses have been published in leading journals in the disciplinary area of the research. Although the format is not prescribed, the thesis usually consists of a short introduction, relevant materials and methods, a concise presentation of the meaningful data, a discussion, and the student’s interpretation of the conclusions.
• Give an oral presentation of research findings during a special symposium hosted by the department in early May.
• Students may volunteer to publish their thesis at eCommons Cornell University Library, as long as doing so does not interfere with other plans, such as patenting or publishing in another journal. A permission form can be obtained from the honors committee chair.
• Each summer, in recognition of the research performed by honors students and their faculty mentors, a compilation of honors thesis abstracts is published in the CALS Research Honors Abstracts. Students are required to submit their thesis title, research advisor’s name, and abstract (in Word format) to the honors committee chair for inclusion in this publication. Students should be advised of the abstract publication instructions and deadlines for submission.

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES