Research and Facilities

Participate in research

The School of the Environment encourages all undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. Many students work with faculty to conduct independent research projects and even present their work at local, national and international conferences. Each year, CoSE offers an Annual Student Project Showcase, which is a great opportunity for you to share your work, network and grow as a scientist. Students should talk to faculty to find opportunities on and off campus. Within SotE, faculty offer research opportunities in:

  • Earth and environmental sciences

  • Resource management and environmental planning

  • Geography and geographic information science

Research funds and support

The School of the Environment has a number of small research funds that regularly support undergraduate and graduate student research. In addition, from time to time, faculty will receive external research grant funds to support students in research experiences. We will announce opportunities to submit proposals for research support funding from time to time. But please check in with our faculty at any time if you have specific upcoming research support needs or to express interest in research experiences.

  1. Pestrong Geoscience Research Grants are to support student research in any area of the Geosciences, including geology, meteorology, oceanography and earth science education. The Pestrong fund supports grants of up to $400 for undergraduates and $800 for graduates, and was created by the generous donations of Professor Ray Pestrong.
  2. Dawdy Hydrology Research Grants are to support student research in any aspect of the hydrologic sciences, including all the disciplines encompassed by the Hydrology Section of the American Geophysical Union. The Dawdy fund supports grants of up to $400 for undergraduates and $800 for graduates, and was created by the generous donations of Doris and David Dawdy.
  3. Community Service Grants are to support student involvement in community service activities, particularly where students are contributing their skills and expertise in earth science to help solve environmental and social justice problems. Community service grants are supported by both the Pestrong and Dawdy funds.
  4. Carole Garcia Student Research Grants are to support student scholars in the areas of Environmental or Geographical research. This Fund supports undergraduate research up to $1000 and graduate research up to $2000, and was created by the generous donations of Carole Garcia.
  5. The Vance Award: The Jean Vance Award provides up to $500 of funding available to graduate students in the areas of Environmental or Geographical research. to help manage the costs of research and travel. Apply at SF State Academic Works.

Eligibility for student research grants:
All students in the School of the Environment may apply. Successful applicants will be matched with one of the grants listed above, as funds allow. All applicants must have a School of the Environment faculty member as research advisor or sponsor, so please talk about opportunities with the faculty.

Award Uses:
Students may use awards only to cover costs associated with completing their research or community service projects. Examples of appropriate uses for the awards include: purchasing field or laboratory supplies such as maps and imagery, sample bags, chemicals or recording equipment; field work expenses including transportation, subsistence, permits and insurance; professional laboratory analyses; travel and registration costs associated with participation in conferences; printing expenses to reproduce written reports, or page charges for publishing papers in journals; specialized computer software, etc. 

  • COAST Council on Ocean Affairs Science & Technology
  • WRPI Water Resources & Policy Initiatives

Publications, Theses and Projects

SotE research and teaching facilities 

  • Map Library (HSS 289): The Map Library houses the maps, equipment, and book collections of the School of the Environment; provides student meeting, work and social space.
  • Institute for GIScience Research Lab (HSS 272): The Institute for GIScience Research Lab is available to students and staff for Geographic Information Science research and course lab work.
  • Geographical Analysis Teaching Lab (HSS 290): The Geographical Analysis Teaching Lab is used for Geographic Information Science teaching. Computers are available for student use during open hours.

  • O3 Soils & Geomorphology Lab: Lab equipped for processing of soils and vegetation, and preparation of equipment for field experiments.

     

Partners

  • Institute for Geographic Information Science

    The Institute for Geographic Information Science advances geospatial research and technology, offering GIS certification, CSU-wide collaboration, and cutting-edge training, consulting, and research support.

  • Climate HQ

    Climate HQ empowers SFSU’s diverse community to lead in climate justice, developing equity-centered initiatives, training student leaders, and creating sustainable solutions that drive change across campus, California, and beyond.

  • Estuary and Ocean Science Center

    The Estuary and Ocean Science Center offered hands-on undergraduate and graduate courses in marine biology, estuarine ecology and oceanography.

  • Sierra Nevada Field Campus

    The Sierra Nevada Field Campus is a research and education center supporting natural sciences, land management, arts and culture. It offers classes, workshops, gathering spaces and field sites for SF State, regional communities and the public.

Data Sources