Research is answering questions that intrigue you.
At the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), researchers ask questions like Why do some weeds survive in the city better than other weeds? How does our diet as infants influence our health as adults? What is the relationship between economics and climate change? How does owning exotic pets affect native species?
Research is done many different ways.
Research can be done in a laboratory where you could be developing the tools to further research in human health. Research can be performed in the field, trying to understand why populations of endangered red knot birds are declining. Research can also be done by interviewing or surveying the people around you to help understand issues in food insecurity, or could involve designing alternative open space issues for post-industrial sites.
Research is a way of life.
It is an internal drive to understand things. Research can be fun, especially when you take charge in determining how you find your answers. At SEBS, you might want to look into volunteering to help with research in such places as varied as the SEBS student farm, the Ecopreserve, or the Haskins Shellfish Lab. Or you could look into participating as a citizen scientist where you can help scientists by participating in projects around the world.
On your own, you can also do things like keep a nature journal, help to identify the biodiversity of the world around us by using iNaturalist, work to eliminate invasive species in NJ, and answer questions about the things you observe everyday. And now, thanks to the New Brunswick Office of the Provost and New Brunswick Libraries your can now virtually share your research with the wider world through the Senior Exhibits site.
What is your question? What excites you? Where are you passions for answering questions about the world around us? Here are some opportunities to find a place to become involved as a student researcher at SEBS:
SEBS General Honors Program
Incoming freshman selected during the college application
The SEBS General Honors Program is a community of student scholars engaged in research and seminars that supplement their existing SEBS curriculum. Featuring mentored research across all years of their program with faculty across all Rutgers Schools, students can also engage with state and federal agency partners and competitive grants research opportunities such as the National Science Foundation RUE (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs. Students are selected during the college application.
Aresty Research Center
For all undergraduates, except Summer Science program, which is for rising sophomores only
The Aresty Research Center offers multiple research opportunities for SEBS undergraduates. The Aresty research assistant program, which is open to all SEBS undergraduates, enables students to gain their first authentic research experiences by supporting faculty research projects during the academic year. Applications for the following school year typically open in March of the previous school year. The Aresty summer science program is a ten week program starting at the end of May until early August. Students receive a stipend an on campus housing.
G.H. Cook Scholars Honors Program
For rising seniors only
The George H. Cook Scholars Program is a senior honors thesis program completed under the direction of a faculty advisor. Students apply to the Program in the second semester of their junior year and complete their projects, including a public defense of the thesis, during the second semester of their senior year. Upon thesis completion and acceptance, the student graduates with honors as a George H. Cook Scholar.
Department Research Opportunities
For all students
Many department professors have opportunities for research through volunteering or independent study. You should contact the department of interest or speak directly to faculty to learn about opportunities. Alternatively, twice a year (October, March) the Office of Academic Programs hosts research mixers, where you can learn more about each department's research programs.
