Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research during their time at Rice. Research is a valuable way to engage with the topics of the minor further, as well as prepare for potential Graduate education.

Environmental Studies is a growing field of research, supported in particular by the the number of Research Centers affiliated with the university, such as CENHS, The Baker Institute, and Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Recurring opportunities for research include:

The Urban Sustainability and Livability Study Abroad Program

In this study abroad program students complete an independent or group research project while studying abroad in Europe. An example of a past  project by Joanne Kim and Emma Foster is “How can economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable urban agriculture be effectively integrated into a pre-existing built environment?” Their report can be read on page 73 of Volume 1 off the Rice Examiner.

Community Bridges

The Kinder Institute’s Community Bridges Program is a year long fellowship in which students work with a community partner to do a research project and service work. Past Community Partners and projects have enabled research on Environmental Justice as well as Environmental Health and Safety.

ENST Coursework

A number of ENST courses include research projects, such as ARCH/ENST 322 Case Studies in Sustainability and SOCI 304/ENST 302 Environmental Issues Rice into the Future. View the course catalog for more information.

Additional Opportunities

Students are encouraged to reach out to Faculty whose research is of interest to see if Research Assistant positions are available, contact the Minor Advisor if they are interested in gaining credit for an independent study research project, and join the Environmental Studies Listserv to stay updated on new opportunities as they arise.

A past archive of Faculty Sustainability Research can be found here or in the AASHE STARS Report for Rice University.