Department of Earth and Environmental Science

Undergraduate Research

EES Majors Who Have Completed Senior Theses

2008 Environmental Studies Senior Theses

[Click on "Abstract" after each name to see full abstract. Click on "Poster" after each name to see the poster the student presented at the Senior Research Conference.]

(Student's Concentration is in Parentheses after their name. )

Bouda, Martin (Environmental Science) [Abstract] [Poster]

POTENTIAL NATURAL VEGETATION

Catanese, Christina (Environmental Science/Hydrology) [Abstract] [Poster]

COMPETITION FOR SCARCE WATER RESOURCES AS A DETERMINANT OF INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT

Cymerman, Rachel (Environmental Economics) [Abstract] [Poster]

TAKING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO MARKET: THE SALE AND TRADE OF MARKETABLE POLLUTION

DiNapoli, Lucia (Environmental Management) [Abstract] [Poster]

SADDLER'S WOODS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION: AN EFFECTIVE CITIZEN'S ADVOCACY GROUP

Fang, Fei (Environmental Management) [Abstract] [Poster]

URBAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION FRAMEWORK IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Frings, Victoria (Environmental Humanities) [Abstract] [Poster]

FORECASTING THE FUTURE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE NON-FICTION: THE EFFECTS OF POPULAR CULTURE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Griffin, Catherine (Environmental Management) [Abstract] [Poster]

VOLUNTARY ADOPTION OF RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS BY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES

Kirnan, Tarah (Environmental Management) [Abstract] [Poster]

CHALLENGES TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN CHINA AND STEPS TOWARD AGENDA SETTING

Knight, Danielle (Environmental Economics) [Abstract] [Poster]

SINAC: A STRATEGY FOR CONSERVATION AREAS IN COSTA RICA

McQuayle, Cameron (Environmental Management) [Abstract] [Poster]

THE POLITICS OF SUSTAINABILITY: SELLING THE WORLD A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

Schroeder, Jenny (Environmental Health) [Abstract] [Poster]

FILTHADELPHIA: THE CAUSES AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF INADEQUATE WASTE DISPOSAL IN PHILADELPHIA

Wenger, Craig (Environmental Science/Hydrology) [Abstract] [Poster]

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED EL DIQUIS DAM, COSTA RICA

Zhang, Jerry (Environmental Economics) [Abstract] [Poster]

WEATHER DERIVATIVES

2008 Paleobiology Senior Theses

EES Majors who have Published

More Information

Undergraduates in the Department of Earth & Environmental Science have ample opportunities to pursue Research Projects. Projects range from one semester Independent Studies to a Senior Thesis.

The best resource for research topics in the department is the Faculty. Many of our faculty members are involved in ongoing research in many locations worldwide and are in need of a work force for their summer excursions. Other faculty members are involved in the professional world outside of academia and have connections to various firms and corporations. Faculty members are willing to help undergraduates gain research experience. Feel free to email or stop by to talk to a professor about their research and any opening they may have on their field team or about his/her affiliations with the professional world. Some of opportunities within our department are listed on the Resources page.

Other resources for research topics include Study Abroad and Internships where students immerse themselves in a particular field or culture and bring the knowledge and skills they have learned at Penn to a new setting. Many of these opportunities develop into careers for the students after they leave Penn.

The Environmental Studies, Geology Honors, and Paleobiology track majors require a Senior Thesis as part of the major requirements. A Senior Thesis requires independent research over a 2 semester period. ENVS majors begin their senior thesis by taking ENVS 399, Environmental Studies Research Seminar for Juniors, in the spring semester of their Junior year and complete their senior theses while taking ENVS 498 (previously labeled 499), Senior Thesis, during the fall and spring semesters of their Senior year.

Many students choose to pursue independent research projects as underclassmen. For those students, an Independent Study is a good choice. An independent study can often be done in conjunction with a field season with one or a group of our professors and researchers. Independent Study topics vary with the interests of the students and can be individualized to focus on the student's specific interest. If you are interested in pursuing an Independent Study talk with Dr. Dmochowski or Dr. Giegengack about your idea(s). They can recommend a faculty member with the same interests or field of expertise and answer your questions about the logistics of such a project. Once a topic and advisor is identified, a one-page proposal of the scope and focus of the Independent Study should be submitted to Dr. Dmochowski in order to be registered for the course.