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• AN ACCUMULATION OF CATASTROPHE: A POLITICAL ECONOMY OF WILDFIRE IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES  Dockstader, Sue ( University of Oregon , 2024-03-25 ) This dissertation is an environmental sociological study of wildland fire in what is now the western United States. It examines wildfire management from roughly the 1900s to the present time employing a Marxist historical ...
• Managing Life's Future: Species Essentialism and Evolutionary Normativity in Conservation Policy, Practice, and Imaginaries  Maggiulli, Katrina ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) Folk essentialist and normative understandings of species are not only prevalent in popular layperson communities, but also end up undergirding United States conservation policy and practice due to the simplistic clarity ...
• Unsettled Ecologies: Alienated Species, Indigenous Restoration, and U.S. Empire in a Time of Climate Chaos  Fink, Lisa ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) This dissertation traces environmental thinking about invasive species from Western-colonial, diasporic settlers of color, and Indigenous perspectives within U.S. settler colonialism. Considering environmental discourses ...
• Futuremaking in a Disaster Zone: Everyday Climate Change Adaptation amongst Quechua Women in the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca  Moulton, Holly ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) Indigenous women in Peru are often labeled “triply vulnerable” to climate change due to race, gender, and economic marginalization. Despite Peru’s focus on gender, Indigeneity, and intersectionality in national adaptation ...
• Land Acts: Land's Agency in American Literature, Law, and History from the Colonial Period to Removal  Keeler, Kyle ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) This dissertation examines land’s agency and relationships to land in the places now known as the United States as these relationships appear in literature and law from early colonization to the removal period. Land Acts ...
• PALEOTEMPERATURE, VEGETATION CHANGE, FIRE HISTORY, AND LAKE PRODUCTIVITY FOR THE LAST 14,500 YEARS AT GOLD LAKE, PACIFIC NORTHWEST, USA  Baig, Jamila ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) The postglacial history of vegetation, wildfire, and climate in the Cascade Range (Oregon) is only partly understood. This study uses high-resolution analysis from a 13-meter, 14,500-year sediment core from Gold Lake to ...
• On Western Juniper Climate Relations  Reis, Schyler ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Western juniper woodlands are highly sensitive to climate in terms of tree-ring growth, seedling establishment and range distribution. Understanding the dynamics of western juniper woodlands to changes in precipitation, ...
• Stories We Tell, Stories We Eat: Mexican Foodways, Cultural Identity, and Ideological Struggle in Netflix’s Taco Chronicles  Sanchez, Bela ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Food is a biological necessity imbued with numerous social, cultural, and economic implications for identity production and everyday meaning-making. Food television is a unique medium for the meanings of food and foodways ...
• Soil Nutrient Additions Shift Orthopteran Herbivory and Invertebrate Community Composition  Altmire, Gabriella ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Anthropogenic alterations to global pools of nitrogen and phosphorus are driving declines in plant diversity across grasslands. As such, concern over biodiversity loss has precipitated a host of studies investigating how ...
• Multispecies Memoir: Self, Genre, and Species Justice in Contemporary Culture  Otjen, Nathaniel ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) Liberal humanism articulates an individual, rational, autonomous, universal, and singularly human subject that possesses various rights and freedoms. Although the imagined subject at the heart of liberal humanist philosophy ...
• Understanding How Changes in Disturbance Regimes and Long-Term Climate Shape Ecosystem and Landscape Structure and Function  Wright, Jamie ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) Long-term and anthropic climatic change intersecting with disturbances alters ecosystem structure and function across spatiotemporal scales. Quantifying ecosystem responses can be convoluted, therefore utilizing multiproxy ...
• Ikpíkyav (To Fix Again): Drawing From Karuk World Renewal To Contest Settler Discourses Of Vulnerability  Vinyeta, Kirsten ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) The Klamath River Basin of Northern California has historically been replete with fire-adapted ecosystems and Indigenous communities. For the Karuk Tribe, fire has been an indispensable tool for both spiritual practice and ...
• Grassland Restoration in Heterogeneous, Changing, and Human Dominated Systems  Brambila, Alejandro ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) Ecological restoration is a powerful tool to promote biodiversity and ecosystem function. Understanding underlying system variability and directional change can help predict outcomes of restoration interventions. Spatial ...
• Restoring What? And for Whom? Listening to Karuk Ecocultural Revitalization Practitioners and Uncovering Settler Logics in Ecological Restoration.  Worl, Sara ( University of Oregon , 2022-05-10 ) What does it mean to restore a landscape degraded by settler colonialism? How might a well intentionedprocess like ecological restoration end up causing harm from underlying settler colonial logics? This thesis explores ...
• Instigating Communities of Solidarity: An Exploration of Participatory, Informal, Temporary Urbanisms  Meier, Briana ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) This dissertationexamines the potential for participatory, informal urbanisms to buildcollaborative relations across ontological, cultural, and political difference. This research contributes to thefield of urban, environmental ...
• The Holy Oak School of Art and Ecology: A Proposal for Arts-Based Environmental Education Programming  Best, Krysta ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) The following is a proposal for arts-based environmental education programming in elementary schools, after-school programs, and day-camp programs, entitled the Holy School of Art and Ecology. Ecophenomenological, arts-based ...
• Settler Colonial Listening and the Silence of Wilderness in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area  Hilgren, Bailey ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) The Boundary Waters Canoe Area soundscape in northern Minnesota has a long and contested history but is most often characterized today as a pristine and distinctly silent wilderness. This thesis traces the construction and ...
• Species Dynamics and Restoration in Rare Serpentine Grasslands under Global Change  Hernandez, Eliza ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) Conserving rare serpentine grasslands is a challenge with ongoing nitrogen deposition. Nutrient-poor patches are fertilized by nitrogen-rich smog and exotic grasses can rapidly spread. Water resources are also being altered ...
• Place-making and Place-taking: An Analysis of Green Gentrification in Atlanta Georgia  Okotie-Oyekan, Aimée ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) Despite the benefits of urban greenspace, Atlanta’s Westside Park is causing gentrification and displacement pressures in Grove Park, a low-income African-American community in northwest Atlanta, Georgia. This study used ...
• Prairie Plant Responses to Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest  Reed, Paul ( University of Oregon , 2021-09-13 ) Understanding how plants respond to climate change is of paramount importance since their responses can affect ecosystem functions and patterns of biodiversity. At the population level, climate change may alter phenology ...

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Home > CNS > ECO > Environmental Conservation Masters Theses Collection

Environmental Conservation Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2024 2024.

Effects of Habitat, Density, and Climate on Moose and Winter Tick Ecology in the northeastern U.S. , Juliana Berube, Environmental Conservation

Adaptive Silviculture for Wildlife: Supporting Forest Biodiversity Through Climate Adaptation , Jahiya Clark, Environmental Conservation

Comparing Likelihood of Tree Failure Assessments Using Different Assessment Techniques , Ari Okun, Environmental Conservation

Use of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Based Remote Sensing to Model Platform Topography and Identify Human-made Earthen Barriers in Salt Marshes , Joshua J. Ward, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2023 2023

Modeling the Effects of Forest Management Practices on Ecohydrologic Processes in the Antalya River Watershed of Turkey , Hilal Arslan, Environmental Conservation

HYDRO-SOCIAL TERRITORIES AND OIL PALM PLANTATIONS: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, AGRIBUSINESS, AND SAFE WATER ACCESS UNDER POWER RELATIONS IN KAIS, WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA , Briantama Asmara, Environmental Conservation

Evaluation of Acoustic Telemetry Array Performance and Fine- Scale and Broad-Scale Spatial Movement Patterns for Coral Reef Species in Culebra, Puerto Rico , Roxann Cormier, Environmental Conservation

Improving Energy Efficiency of School Buildings with Solar-Assisted Cooling for the Maldives , Ahmed Fathhee, Environmental Conservation

Pine Barrens Wildlife Management: Exploring the Impact of a Stressor and Active Management on Two Taxa at Camp Edwards , Andrew B. Gordon Jr, Environmental Conservation

Factors Affecting the Distribution of Malayan Sun Bear in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern Myanmar , Min Hein Htike, Environmental Conservation

A Multi-Regional Assessment of Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) Occupancy in Managed and Unmanaged Forests Using Autonomous Recording Units , Jeffery T. Larkin, Environmental Conservation

Climate Change Attitudes of United States Family Forest Owners and their Influence on Forest Management Practices , Logan Miller, Environmental Conservation

The Relative Effects of Functional Diversity and Structural Complexity on Carbon Dynamics in Late-Successional, Northeastern Mixed Hardwood Forests , Samantha Myers, Environmental Conservation

Factors influencing the occurrence and spread of aquatic invasive species in watershed systems , Hazel M. Ortiz, Environmental Conservation

PARTICIPATORY WETLAND GOVERNANCE IN RAMSAR – ASSESSING LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION IN INDIA , Seema Ravandale, Environmental Conservation

A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE LINKED DECISIONS IN THE CONFISCATION OF ILLEGALLY TRADED TURTLES , Desiree Smith, Environmental Conservation

Effect of Alliaria petiolata management on post-eradication seed bank dynamics , Chloe Thompson, Environmental Conservation

Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) Population Dynamics and Response to Habitat Management in Massachusetts , Julia Vineyard, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2022 2022

Assessment of the Economic and Ecosystem Service Contributions of USDA Forest Service Landowner Assistance Programs in the Conterminous United States , Jacqueline S. Dias, Environmental Conservation

Exploring Urban Forestry Non-Governmental Organizations in the Temperate Forest Region of the United States , Alexander J. Elton, Environmental Conservation

Songbird-mediated Insect Pest Control in Low Intensity New England Agriculture , Samuel J. Mayne, Environmental Conservation

Perception and Value Assessment of Ecosystem Services in Rural and Urban Regions in Ecuador , Roberto S. Navarrete Arias, Environmental Conservation

Identifying New Invasives In The Face Of Climate Change: A Focus On Sleeper Populations , Ayodelé C. O'Uhuru, Environmental Conservation

A Tipping Point in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest: Current and Future Land-Use and Climate Change Trends , Alula Shields, Environmental Conservation

Dynamics of Water Supply and Demand in the Bandama River Watershed of Cote d'Ivoire , Sarah Alima Traore, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2021 2021

Applying Ecological Theory to Amphibian Populations to Determine if Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) are Ideal and Free when Selecting Breeding Habitat , Taylor M. Braunagel, Environmental Conservation

Assessing the Impacts to Society Associated with the Use of Alternative Ammunition for Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges , Christopher Cahill, Environmental Conservation

Evaluation of Environmental Factors Influencing American Marten Distribution and Density in New Hampshire , Donovan Drummey, Environmental Conservation

Can Volunteers Learn to Prune Trees? , Ryan W. Fawcett, Environmental Conservation

The Efficacy of Habitat Conservation Assistance Programs for Family Forest Owners in Vermont , Margaret E. Harrington, Environmental Conservation

The Role of Vegetative Cover in Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change and Improving Public Health , Anastasia D. Ivanova, Environmental Conservation

Assessing the Structure and Function of Utility Forests in Massachusetts , Ryan Suttle, Environmental Conservation

Factors Influencing Stopover and Movement of Migratory Songbirds within the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge , Jessica Tatten, Environmental Conservation

Patterns and mechanisms of intraspecific trait variation across thermal gradients in a marine gastropod , Andrew R. Villeneuve, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2020 2020

Habitat Associations of Priority Bird Species and Conservation Value on Small, Diversified Farms in New England , Isabel Brofsky, Environmental Conservation

Autonomous Recording Units as an Alternative Method for Monitoring Songbirds , Lindsay Clough, Environmental Conservation

Impact of Predators on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in the Eastern and Western United States , Ryan Crandall, Environmental Conservation

New England’s Underutilized Seafood Species: Defining And Exploring Marketplace Potential In A Changing Climate , Amanda Davis, Environmental Conservation

Improving Growth and Survival of Cultured Yellow Lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) for Restoring Populations , Virginia Martell, Environmental Conservation

From Intentional Awareness to Environmental Action: The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Pro-Environmental Behaviors , Nischal Neupane, Environmental Conservation

The Ecological Value of Spruce Plantations in Massachusetts , Calvin Ritter, Environmental Conservation

In-vitro Propagation and Fish Assessments to Inform Restoration of Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta Heterodon) , Jennifer Ryan, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2019 2019

Hydrologic Structure and Function of Vernal Pools in South Deerfield, Massachusetts , Charlotte Axthelm, Environmental Conservation

Ecological and Economic Implications of Establishing Quercus spp. in the Urban Environment , Tierney Bocsi, Environmental Conservation

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Management Effectiveness and Plant Community Response , Erin Coates-Connor, Environmental Conservation

Defining and Addressing Interconnected Goals in Groundwater Management Planning Across the USA , Allison Gage, Environmental Conservation

Root-Driven Weathering Impacts on Mineral-Organic Associations Over Pedogenic Time Scales , Mariela Garcia Arredondo, Environmental Conservation

Using Visual Media to Empower Citizen Scientists: A Case Study of the Outsmart App , Megan E. Kierstead, Environmental Conservation

Urban Biodiversity Experience and Exposure: Intervention and Inequality at the Local and Global Scale , Evan Kuras, Environmental Conservation

Arboriculture Safety Around The World , Jamie Lim, Environmental Conservation

Ecological Considerations and Application of Urban Tree Selection in Massachusetts , Ashley McElhinney, Environmental Conservation

The Women's Action: Participation through Resistance , Michael Roberts, Environmental Conservation

Eastern Whip-poor-will Habitat Associations in Fort Drum, NY , Kimberly Spiller, Environmental Conservation

The Role of International River Basin Organizations in Facilitating Science Use in Policy , Kelsey Wentling, Environmental Conservation

An Examination of Tern Diet in a Changing Gulf of Maine , Keenan Yakola, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2018 2018

Mapping Sandbars in the Connecticut River Watershed through Aerial Images for Floodplain Conservation , Bogumila Backiel, Environmental Conservation

You Must Estimate Before You Indicate: Design and Model-Based Methods for Evaluating Utility of a Candidate Forest Indicator Species , Jillian Fleming, Environmental Conservation

Performance of Floristic Quality Assessment in Massachusetts Forested Wetlands , Carolyn Gorss, Environmental Conservation

The Impact of Intraspecific Density on Garlic Mustard Sinigrin Concentration , Mercedes Harris, Environmental Conservation

Plants, Parasites, and Pollinators: The Effects of Medicinal Pollens on a Common Gut Parasite in Bumble Bees , George LoCascio, Environmental Conservation

Human and Climate Change Influences on Black (Diceros bicornis) and White (Ceratotherium simum) Rhinos in Southern Africa , Hlelolwenkhosi S. Mamba, Environmental Conservation

Watershed-Scale Modeling for Water Resource Sustainability in the Tuul River Basin of Mongolia , Javzansuren Norvanchig, Environmental Conservation

Impacts of Small, Surface-Release Dams on Stream Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen in Massachusetts , Peter Zaidel, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2017 2017

Accounting For Biotic Variability In Streams With Low Levels of Impervious Cover: The Role of Reach- and Watershed-Scale Factors , Catherine Bentsen, Environmental Conservation

Juvenile River Herring in Freshwater Lakes: Sampling Approaches for Evaluating Growth and Survival , Matthew T. Devine, Environmental Conservation

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF CLIMATE ON BIRD ABUNDANCE ALONG ELEVATION GRADIENTS IN THE NORTHERN APPALACHIANS , Timothy Duclos, Environmental Conservation

EVALUATION OF THE RECREATIONAL CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHERY FOR GOLDEN DORADO SALMINUS BRASILIENSIS IN SALTA, ARGENTINA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT , Tyler Gagne, Environmental Conservation

Botswana’s Elephant-Back Safari Industry – Stress-Response in Working African Elephants and Analysis of their Post-Release Movements , Tanya Lama, Environmental Conservation

Factors Influencing Shrubland Bird and Native Bee Communities in Forest Openings , H. Patrick Roberts, Environmental Conservation

A Mixed-methods Study on Female Landowner Estate Planning Objectives , rebekah zimmerer, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2016 2016

Factors Influencing Household Outdoor Residential Water Use Decisions in Suburban Boston (USA) , Emily E. Argo, Environmental Conservation

Understory Plant Community Structure in Forests Invaded by Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) , Jason Aylward, Environmental Conservation

Factors Affecting Habitat Quality for Wintering Wood Thrushes in a Coffee Growing Region in Honduras , Brett A. Bailey, Environmental Conservation

Invasive Species Occurrence Frequency is not a Suitable Proxy for Abundance in the Northeast , Tyler J. Cross, Environmental Conservation

Population Genetic Analysis of Atlantic Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus polyphemus) in Coastal Massachusetts. , Katherine T. Johnson, Environmental Conservation

Modeling Historical and Future Range of Variability Scenarios in the Yuba River Watershed, Tahoe National Forest, California , Maritza Mallek, Environmental Conservation

The Life History Characteristics, Growth, and Mortality of Juvenile Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, in Coastal Massachusetts , Julianne Rosset, Environmental Conservation

Specific Phosphate Sorption Mechanisms of Unaltered and Altered Biochar , Kathryn D. Szerlag, Environmental Conservation

Trophic Relationships Among Caribou Calf Predators in Newfoundland , Chris Zieminski, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2015 2015

Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Assemblages in Three New York Pine Barrens and the Impacts of Hiking Trails , Grace W. Barber, Environmental Conservation

Niche-Based Modeling of Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Using Presence-Only Information , Nathan Bush, Environmental Conservation

Assessing Mammal and Bird Biodiversity and Habitat Occupancy of Tiger Prey in the Hukaung Valley of Northern Myanmar , Hla Naing, Environmental Conservation

Generating Best Management Practices for Avian Conservation in a Land-Sparing Agriculture System, and the Habitat-Specific Survival of a Priority Migrant , Jeffrey D. Ritterson, Environmental Conservation

Experimental Test of Genetic Rescue in Isolated Populations of Brook Trout , Zachary L. Robinson, Environmental Conservation

UNDERSTANDING STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTION TOWARDS HUMAN-WILDLIFE INTERACTION AND CONFLICT IN A TIGER LANDSCAPE-COMPLEX OF INDIA , Ronak T. Sripal, Environmental Conservation

Impacts of Land Cover and Climate Change on Water Resources in Suasco River Watershed , Ammara Talib, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2014 2014

A Comparison of American, Canadian, and European Home Energy Performance in Heating Dominated – Moist Climates Based on Building Codes , Stephanie M. Berkland, Environmental Conservation

Spatio-Temporal Factors Affecting Human-Black Bear Interactions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Nathan Buckhout, Environmental Conservation

Estimating the Effective Number of Breeders of Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, Over Multiple Generations in Two Stream Systems , Matthew R. Cembrola, Environmental Conservation

An Assessment of Environmental Dna as a Tool to Detect Fish Species in Headwater Streams , Stephen F. Jane, Environmental Conservation

Assessing Wild Canid Distribution Using Camera Traps in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts , Eric G. LeFlore, Environmental Conservation

Quantifying the Effect of Passive Solar Design in Traditional New England Architecture , Peter Levy, Environmental Conservation

Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species in Sumatra: Smaller Cats and the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis) As Case Studies , Wulan Pusparini, Environmental Conservation

The Cumulative Impacts of Climate Change and Land Use Change on Water Quantity and Quality in the Narragansett Bay Watershed , Evan R. Ross, Environmental Conservation

Patterns in Trash: Factors that Drive Municipal Solid Waste Recycling , Jared Starr, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2013 2013

Greening the Building Code: an Analysis of Large Project Review Under Boston Zoning Code Articles 37 and 80 , Sandy J. Beauregard, Environmental Conservation

Vernal Pool Vegetation and Soil Patterns Along Hydrologic Gradients in Western Massachusetts , Kasie Collins, Environmental Conservation

Implementation of Aquaponics in Education: An Assessment of Challenges, Solutions and Success , Emily Rose Hart, Environmental Conservation

Aquatic Barrier Prioritization in New England Under Climate Change Scenarios Using Fish Habitat Quantity, Thermal Habitat Quality, Aquatic Organism Passage, and Infrastructure Sustainability , Alexandra C. Jospe, Environmental Conservation

The Energy Benefits of Trees: Investigating Shading, Microclimate and Wind Shielding Effects in Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts , Emma L. Morzuch, Environmental Conservation

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Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

100+ Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

• Ecology /ecological science
• Atmospheric science
• Oceanography
• Soil science
• Environmental chemistry
• Environmental economics
• Environmental ethics
• Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

• The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
• The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
• The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
• Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
• The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
• The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
• The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
• The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
• The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
• The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

• The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
• The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
• The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
• Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
• The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
• The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
• The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
• The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
• The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

• The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
• The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
• The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
• The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
• The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
• The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
• The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
• The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
• The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

• The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
• The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
• The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
• Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
• The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
• The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
• The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
• The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
• The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Topics & Ideas: Geology

• The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
• The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
• The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
• Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
• The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
• The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
• The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
• The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
• The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
• The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

• The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
• The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
• The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
• Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
• The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
• The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
• The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
• The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
• The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
• The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

• The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
• The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
• The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
• Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
• The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
• The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
• The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
• The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
• The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
• The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

• The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
• The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
• Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
• The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
• The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
• The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
• The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
• The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
• The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

• The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
• The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
• The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
• Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
• The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
• The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
• The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
• The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
• The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
• The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
• The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
• Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
• Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
• Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
• Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
• The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
• Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
• Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
• Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
• A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
• Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
• Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
• Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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Home > Environmental Studies > Student Theses 2001-2013

Student Theses 2001-2013

Theses/dissertations from 2017 2017.

The Disappearing Wetland Act: Climate Change, Development, and Protection , Jessica P. Doughty

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Centrality of Ecological Design: Achieving Sustainability in an Era of Free-Market Capitalist Framework , Eddy Andrade

A Vicious CERCLA, Or The Twilight of the Superfund , Donald Borenstein

Saving the World’s Remaining Tigers: Panthera’s Work and the Role of Non-Profits in Wildlife Conservation , John Byrne

New York City’s Water Challenges: History, Politics, and Design , Jessica Crowley

Giving Back to the Community: Addressing the Environmental Literacy Gap Through Socially and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices , David Garcia

Wasting Plates: Addressing Food Waste in the United States , Sarah Geuss

Too Pig to Fail: Considering Regulatory Solutions to the Environmental Damages Caused by Industrial Hog Farms in North Carolina , Samir Hafez

Sandy and the City: The Need for Coastal Policy Reform , Jonathan Hilburg

Drilling for Arctic Oil: Is it Worth the Risk? , Emily Kain

The Pedestrianization of New York City: An Environmental History and Critique of Urban Motorization and A Look at New York City’s New Era of Planning , Anna Kobara

Hurricane Sandy: Using Environmental History, Economics, Politics and Urban Planning to Prepare For the Next One , Julia Maguire

Our Failing Food System: Productivity Versus Sustainability , Alyson Murphy

Exploring the Drivers of CSR and Creating a Sustainable Corporate Institution: Environmental Education, Politics, and Business Practices , Eric Osuna

Composting Food Waste: A Method That Can Improve Soil Quality and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions , Gentiana Quni

Assessment of Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Conservation Awareness in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem , Karianne Rivera

The Sustainable Future of the Metropolis: Greening New York City Building By Building , Lizbeth Sanchez

Trash Talk: Solid Waste Disposal in New York City , Alexander Williams

Hurricane Sandy: A Chance to Identify Vulnerabilities, Learn from the Past, and Increase Future Resiliency , Julianne Yee

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Going Green at New York-Presbyterian: Hospitals As Sustainable Businesses , Samantha Allegro

A Stronger Role For the United States President in Environmental Policy , Elizabeth Anderson

Simulating Climate Risk Into Markets and Policies: A New Approach to Financial Analysis and Policy Formation , Miguel Bantigue

Environmental Education Reform: Using Experiential Learning to Influence Environmental Policy-Making By Fostering a Sense of Environmental Citizenship and Eco-Literacy , Nicol Belletiere

Internship Report: Earthjustice & the Fracking Battle in New York's Marcellus Shale , John Byrne

Coal: How We Achieved Our Dependency and Its True Cost , Kelly Caggiano

Recycling Furniture: The Ecological, Economic and Social Benefits , Michele Calabrese

Internship Report UNEP: The Effects of Climate Change in Arctic Zones , Diana Cartaya-Acosta

Environmental Racism in South Africa: A Sustainable Green Solution , Danielle Darmofal

The Bronx, Beavers and Birthrights: The Case For Urban Wildlife , Richard Day

The Economics of Biodiversity , Paige Doyle

Environmental Communications: Case Study of New York City's Double Crested Cormorant , Marisa Galdi

Not a Walk In the Park: Environmental Justice in New York City , Lindsey Grier

The Economic and Environmental Justice Implications of Hydraulic Fracturing in 21st Century North America , Katie Medved

The Bottling Craze: Exposing the Environmental Effects of Bottled Vs. Tap Water , Michele Paccagnini

How the United States Will Find a Sustainable Future Through Increased Nuclear Productivity , Ian Pruitt

Group For the East End: The Role of Childhood Environmental Education in Improving Learning Behaviors and the Health of Humans and the Environment , Brian Riley

The Role of Modern Zoos in Wildlife Conservation: From the WCS to the Wild , John Scott

Global Climate Change Vs. Global Warming: What Is the Difference "Global Climate Change" and "Global Warming"? , Nadia Seeteram

Lost in Translation: Environmental Communication Issues in Media and Politics , Carolyn Wegemann

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

The Ins and Outs of Corporate Greenwashing , Jennifer Bender

A River Runs Through It: Community Access to the Bronx River in Tremont and Hunts Point , Matthew Bodnar

The Future is Green; Urban Agriculture in the Bronx , Patty Gouris

All in Our Backyard: Exploring how Environmental Discrimination Affects Health and Social Conditions in the South Bronx , Mireille Martineau

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Bronx River Alliance: A Model Community Action Organization And an Internship in Development , John Hinck

Enrique Reef: Degradation and Protective Measures , Dana Mitchell

The Human Population Growth and its Ecological Consequences on Kenya and Tanzania , Lauren Noll

Environmental Consciousness: Human Motivation for Thinking Ecologically , Rob Pigue

Economics of Carbon Regulation: An Exploration to the Nuance of Carbon Regulation , Timothy J. Schwartz

New York Botanical Garden Internship: From Photography to Policy , Christine Willeford

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Environmental Health and Climate Change: The Case of Lyme Disease , Matthew Abad

Recycling Tendencies of Fordham University's Population , Jeremy Aiss, Vincent Ammirato, Anamarie Beluch, and Christopher Torres

The Business of Sustainability , Andrea Brady

Waste Mismanagement: Fighting Environmental Injustice in Mott Haven and Hunts Point , Elizabeth Friedrich

Environmental Internship & The Fordham Eco-Roof Proposal , Anthony Giovannone

The Putnam Railroad Corridor Restoration Project: A Comprehensive Plan for Paired Ecological Restoration and Greenway Construction , Patrick J. Hopkins Jr.

Land Use Policy and Development on Long Island , Richard Murdocco

From the Bronx into the Wild! My Adventurous Experience at the Bronx Zoo , Lauren Noll

For the Birds! , Robert Patterson

Managing Infestation of the Invasive Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) at the New York Botanical Garden , Gregory Russo

Environmental History of Japan , Amy Seagroves

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

A Healthy Environment is a Healthy Body , Matthew Abad

Stormwater Runoff, Combined Sewer Overflow, and Environmental Justice in the Bronx , Natalie Collao

Solving a Crisis: Water Quality & Storm Water Infrastructure in New York City , Kelsey Ripper

The New Social Movement: Environmental Justice in the Bronx , Kelsey Ripper

Environmental Justice and Street Science: A Fusion of Community Knowledge and Environmental Health Justice to Address the Asthma Epidemic in Urban Communities , Natalie Robiou

Urban Wildlife and Leopold’s Land Ethic: “The squirrels on a college campus convey the same lesson as the redwoods. . . .” , Natalie Robiou

Unpasteurized Milk and Soft Cheese Outbreaks: An Overview of Consumer Safety , Taygan Yilmaz

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Environmental Justice Movement in the United States , Harrison Delfin

Natural River Restoration in Urban Ecology: The Bronx River , Samuel P. Loor

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

The H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus: Globalization, Climate Change, and Other Anthropogenic Factors in New Emergent Diseases , Quan Luong

The Environmental Effects of War , Philip Swintek

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Identification of Genetically Modified Organisms in Foodstuffs , Anamarie Beluch

The Moral Dilemma of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) , Anamarie Beluch

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

The History of Community Gardens in New York City: The Role of Urban Agriculture and Green Roofs in Addressing Environmental Racism , Rosamarie Ridge

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Bronx River Restoration: Report and Assessment , Teresa Crimmens

Environmental Audit of the Rose Hill Campus , Nicole Marshall, Maria Nissi, Brian Flaherty, Carl Van Ostrand, and Ian McClelland

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

Bronx River Restoration: Report and Assessment , Nicole Marshall

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Home > Environmental Studies > ENVSTUDTHESES

Environmental Studies Program

Department of environmental studies: undergraduate student theses.

Amazon Deforestation and Its Effects on Local Climate , Andrew Baker

Observing Wildlife in Different Urban Environments , Colleen Ballinger

AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING MUNICIPAL BIOCHAR IMPLEMENTATION IN VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKETS , Jadon Basilevac

Evaluating Biophilic Design Characteristics in Lincoln Public Schools , Sarah Burr

Spatiotemporal Activity Patterns of Red Foxes and Coyotes in Wilderness Park, Lincoln, Nebraska. , Adam Carlson

Recycling attitudes and behaviors toward single-use plastics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Jadyn Chasek

Survey of Energy Literacy in Lincoln, NE Households , Bella Devney

Correlation Between Fire and Preservation in the Pacific Northwest & Most Cost-Efficient MitigationTactics , Liam Doherty-Herwitz

Analyzing the Effect of Guided Nature Walks on Human Behavior , Jake Duffy

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION USE ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS , Brynn Fuelberth

SOLAR ENERGY IMPLEMENTATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES , Corie Gleason

State of Utah et al. v Walsh et al. , Ethan Halman Gonzalez

Regenerative Agriculture –A Pathway for Addressing Nebraska’s Water Quality and Soil Degradation Challenges , Kjersten Hyberger

Proposing Urban Agroforestry Designs for Lincoln, Nebraska: A Model From Berlin, Germany , Noah Johnson

Analyzing The Effects Of Cold Frontal Passage On The Feeding Habits Of Micropterus Salmoides (Largemouth Bass) , Ethan Lang

Turfgrass Alternatives for the Modern Yard , John Lonowski

Rails to Trails Program: Neighborhood Dynamics in Lincoln, Nebraska , Emma McCormick

ANALYZING SEA LEVEL RISE ADAPTATION & MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN LOUISIANA AND THE NETHERLANDS , Jonah McDowell

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Nebraska State Park Visitation , Bailey Mullins

Examining the Psychology and Human Behavior of Sustainable Living: The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Climate Change Education , Samantha Nielsen

GENDER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A CROSS-NATIONAL ANALYSIS ON POLITICAL REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN AND SUBSEQUENT STATE SUSTAINABILITY , Erin O'Sullivan

Perception of Nature Based on Childhood Experiences , Kaitlyn Richards

IDENTIFYING A CONSUMER-PRODUCER AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE GAP , Aspen Rittgarn

EVALUATING ECOSYSTEM HEALTH OF THE SALT CREEK BASIN THROUGH TWO-EYED SEEING , Shelby Serritella

Place-Based Pedagogies in Post-Secondary Science Education: A Scoping Literature Review , Megan Swain

The Decline of Upland Birds in Nebraska: Maximizing Limited Habitat , Hunter Tesarek

Off the Rails: Cinematic Trains as Technological Controls of the Natural World , Trinity Thompson

Roots of Passion in Environmental UNL Students , Shane Vrbicky

Physiological Distancing Affects Climate Change Through Spatial Differences , Janette Williams

Nitrates in Nebraska , Michelle Zenk

NOISE POLLUTION AND ITS EFFECTS ON HUMAN MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH , Seth Anderson

Outdoor Recreation and its Effect on our Relationship with The Environment , Martin Brannaman

HELD AT BAY: A CASE STUDY OF A LAKE COMMUNITY’S EFFORT TO PREVENT A ZEBRA MUSSEL INVASION , Benjamin Breske

ANALYZING RECYCLING OPTIONS FOR WIND TURBINE BLADE WASTE , Awinita Bunner

The Effects of Human Activity on Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) Populations , Justine Cherovsky

Eco-dystopian Novels Written By Women: Second, Third, and Fourth Wave Feminism , Trystyn Cox

HOW CAN STAKEHOLDERS IN FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ACHIEVE MORE POLITICAL POWER? , Micah Dierks

Supercritical Water Gasification and Pyrolysis – Cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch , Kelly L. Emery

Public Health Impacts of the Clothing Industry , Schafer Flowerday

THE ACCESSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF LOCAL FOODS: A SNAPSHOT FROM THE FOOD HUBS OF LINCOLN, NEBRASKA , Tess Foxall

Agricultural Carbon Markets: How Could They Work? , Andrew Havens

APPARENT TEMPERATURE & RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN NEBRASKA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON WET BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE (WBGT) TOOLS , Rachel T. Hines

The Evolution of Wildland Fire Risk Management , Matthew Holte

E-WASTE IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF GUIYU, CHINA CITIZENS: A COMPARISON PRE AND POST CHINA’S PROHIBITION OF FOREIGN GARBAGE IMPORTS , Oliva Hultman

Climate Change Adaptation, Migration, and Promising Developments for Pacific Island States , Ashley Jonas

IDENTIFYING HOW SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCES AFFECT CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY , Quinn Kimbell

Literature Review on Water Desalination Plant Production and Brine Disposal Methods , Grace Kollars

The Impact of Interactions Among Native Grassland Species: A Study of Interactions Between Two Invasive Species (Bromus tectorum and Setaria faberi) and Two Native Species (Helianthus annuus and Rudbeckia hirta) , Nash Leef

Wildfires & Prescribed Fires: Do They Impact Soil Quality? , Kate Nelson

Eastern Redcedar Reduces Regeneration and Diversity in the Forests of the Niobrara River Valley , Abigail Ridder

Greenhouse Gas Emissions During the Usage Phase of Electric Vehicles in the United States, Now and in the Future , Zach Roza

Reintroduction of the Grey Wolf , Cody Willers

University of Nebraska Sustainability Recommendations , Kat Woerner

Land-Use and Potential Effects on the Western Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium) , Emily Zappia

Audit of Waste Collected Over One Week From Superior Dental Health of Lincoln , Bryclin Alstrom

Analysis of Drinking Water Disinfection Options , Bryce Carlen

Diversification of Angiosperms During the Cretaceous Period , Sakia Fields

Distribution of Green Spaces in Omaha, Nebraska , Sofia Gavia

The Effect of Agkistrodon contortrix and Crotalus horridus Venom Toxicity on Strike Locations With Live Prey , Chase Giese

Long-Term Impacts of 2019 Flood Experiences on Nebraskans’ Climate Change Perceptions , Caitlin Kingsley

How is Remote Sensing Being Used to Prevent Wildfires Today? , Luke Lauby

Regenerative Agriculture’s Potential Carbon Storage in Nebraska Soils , Jenna McCoy

Relationship of Land Use Categories and Water Quality for Low Order Streams , Jake McEnaney

Impact of Ethnic Markets on Food Accessibility in Lincoln, NE , Connor McFayden

Mitigation Strategies for Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Lincoln , Justine Mileski

Temporal and Spatial Interactions between Coyotes and Red Foxes along the Urban-Rural Interface , Adam Mortensen

Mental Health Incorporation in Nebraskan Recovery Plans Following the 2019 Midwestern Floods , Isabelle Murray

The Effect of Drought on the Bird Species Spiza americana , Emily Nelson

The Formatting of Science Communication and How it Affects Attraction to and Understanding of Scientific Information , Connor Nichols

Effects of Land Use in Nebraska on Insect Biodiversity and Eastern Monarch Populations , Carina Olivetti

The Relationship Between Time and Plant Diversity in Prairie Restorations Within the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch , Elizabeth Park

Precipitation Impact on Crop Yield , Ian Ritchie

Investigating Predation Risk Experienced by Wintering Birds at a Supplied-Food Garden , Madison Smart

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand the Behavioral Use of Single-Use Plastic Bags by Students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Josephine Stoessel

Sparking Awareness in Lincoln Electronic Waste Trends and Habits: A Student Behavioral Analysis , Zowie Vincent

Designing a Mobile App and Online Directory to Increase the Visibility of Environmental Organizations in a Community , Kayla Vondracek

The Effect of Urban Forests on Air Quality and Human Health , Chance Wilken

Climate Change & Grief: An Overview Of The Mental Health Effects Of Climate Change & How Biodiversity Loss In The Great Plains Affects Our Emotional Wellbeing , Luke Andersen

Lincoln, NE Composting in Restaurants , Brodie Baum

The Effect Of Wildlife Wellbeing On Environmental Concern , Laura Casne

Observing Spectral Response Differences In Freshwater Lakes Using Remote Sensing Technology , Brady Cooper

Nutritional Value of Crops affected by Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in Atmospheric Conditions , Alex Joseph Cusimano

A Comparative Analysis Of The Reception Of Laudato Si’ By Progressive And Traditional Catholics , Mikayla Dorff

PLANNING URBAN FORESTS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE , Ethan Dudden

The Role Of University Of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Biodigester On Sustainable Food Waste Reduction Within Selleck Dining Center , Jennifer Gilbert

Adventuring in the Winds: An Exploration of Water Accessibility, Keystone Species, Environmental Justice, and Forest Fires in the Wind River Range , Rhianna Giron

Environmental Factors On The Arctic Food Chain , Sydney Hansen

Incorporating Tallgrass Prairie Into Urban Environments , Daniel Hauschild

The Changing Habitat And Decline Of Ring-Necked Pheasant Populations In Otoe County, Nebraska , Jacob T. Herman

Ecological Perspectives of the Eastern Saline Wetlands Differ Between Visitors and Non-Visitors , Peter Janda

Analysis Of Trees Damaged From Flooding And Ice In Columbus, Nebraska , Alaina Kapla

The Effects Of Street Tree Site Planting Width On Canopy Width And Ability To Provide Ecosystem Services , Ryan Kendall

FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF EXTREME HEAT ON PUBLIC HEALTH FOR THOSE LIVING IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA , Mandy Koehler

Fungal Mycelium; The Key to a Sustainable Future , Sawyer Krivanek

Growth and Feeding Response in Python regius in Ambient Temperature vs. Hot-Spot , McKenzie Martinez

The Research and Analysis of Potential Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus) Habitats and Gray Wolf Management in the U.S. , YouHan Mei

Effect of Urban Green Space on Urban Populations. , Jack Mensinger

TO WHAT EXTENT HAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANS AND RED FOXES (VULPES VULPES) EVOLVED THROUGHOUT HISTORY? , Abigail Misfeldt

Diet Composition And Analysis Of Fish Species Consumed By The Eurasian Otter In A Marine/Costal Environment , Alexandrea Otto

The Effects of Phosphate on the Metamorphosis of Larval Western Barred Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) , Alexis Jean Polivanov

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Department of Environmental Conservation

UMass Amherst | College of Natural Sciences | School of Earth and Sustainability

Theses and Dissertations

Home / Research & Extension / Theses and Dissertations

This is a list of the most recent theses and dissertations from ECO students. These lists are automatically created through the UMass Scholarworks  system. To have your publication included, submit it to Scholarworks.

Master’s Theses – Environmental Conservation:

Late-successional forests provide a unique opportunity to explore adaptive management approaches […]

Acoustic telemetry is an important tool when studying the spatial ecology of marine animals. First, […]

Sleeper populations are established populations of a non-native species whose population growth is […]

Land use/land cover (LULC) plays a vital role in the provision of ecosystem services. Changing […]

Water is a fundamental human right supporting life, health, and livelihoods. Yet water-related […]

More…

• Forest Resources (before ECO grad program)
• Wildlife & Fisheries (before ECO grad program)

Dissertations – Environmental Conservation:

Wind energy facilitates have expanded significantly in the United States over the last few decades […]

This dissertation research focuses on the population ecology of the northern diamondback terrapin […]

Interoperability and Integration of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy […]

The brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa) is a freshwater mussel (Order: Unionida) native to […]

This dissertation research focuses on the ecology of the Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus […]

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MSc in Environmental Science

• Environmental Science
• Programme Structure

Examples of MSc theses

In the list below you can read the descriptions of 11 very different theses, authored by students at the MSc Programme in Environmental Science. You are welcome to contact the author if you have further questions regarding a specific thesis.

Chronic toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Daphnia magna under different feeding conditions

Author : Aiga Mackevica

Supervisor : Anders Baun, DTU Environment.

Ecotoxicity of nanoparticles has been an emerging issue in recent years, which is why it is necessary to evaluate the effects of nanoparticle exposure to the aquatic environment. In this study, we performed series of 21-day chronic tests with Daphnia magna exposed to silver nanoparticles to obtain information on growth and reproductive effects. The results were used for modelling to find possible modes of action of silver nanoparticle toxicity.

Determination of Steroid Hormones in Polar Bear Hair (Ursus maritimus) - a Methodology Study

Author: Johan Weisser

Supervisors: Bjarne Styrishave, Erland Björklund & Martin Hansen; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The aim of this thesis was to develop an analytical methodology to determine steroid hormones in hair, for the purpose of using hair as a biomarker to study endocrine imbalance in polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ). Hair was chosen because steroids are incorporated into the hair shaft while growing and thereby gives a prolonged steroid profile which reflect blood steroid concentration in that given time period. An extraction and clean up method was developed. For analyte determination both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) was tested followed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). It was possible to detect progestagens, androgens and estrogens using GC-MS/MS whereas LC-MS/MS is a better analytical technic for detecting corticosteroids. Hair steroid profiling may be used to assess stress in polar bears in response to pollution and climate changes.

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on the Female Reproductive Axis: Interference with the female reproductive cycle. A Study in Mice.

Author: Hanna Lilith Katarina Johansson

Supervisor: Karin Sørig Hougaard; National Research Centre for the Working Environment & University of Copenhagen

Very little is known on the effects of nanoparticles on reproductive function. Inhalation of nanoparticles induces inflammation in the lung – and inflammation interferes with the female reproductive axis. In this study, we investigated the effect of airway exposure to multi walled CNTs (MWCNTs) on the estrous cycle of female mice. The results showed that female reproduction may be susceptible to acute exposure to nanoparticles.

Fluorochemicals and antiandrogenic effects – an in vitro study of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals on steroidogenesis and androgen receptor activation

Home > School, College, or Department > CLAS > ESM > Dissertations and Theses

Environmental Science and Management Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Phytoplankton Community as an Indicator of Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms in High Mountain Lakes , Victoria Elizabeth Avalos

Structure-from-Motion Derived Snow Cover in Burned Forests of the Western Oregon Cascades , Siobhan Ciafone

Forest Fire Effects on Snow Storage and Melt Across Scales of Forest Recovery in the Western Oregon Cascades , Megan Nicole Guinn

Impacts of Floodplain Restoration on Water Temperature and Macroinvertebrates in Whychus Creek, Oregon , Wesley Nathan Noone

Race and Income as Predictors of Trust in Flood Mitigation Strategies , Wendy Nathaly Sangucho Loachamin

Collaborative Action in Informal Social Networks of Wildfire Managers in Northwestern Wyoming , Hannah Lynn Spencer

How Are Oregon's Rural Indigenous Communities Overcoming Water Access Issues? , Tyren John Thompson

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Effects of Green Crab ( Carcinus maenas ) Across Variable Densities of Eelgrass ( Zostera marina ) , Kimberly Alexis Brown

Temperature and Predator Effects on Green Crabs ( Carcinus maenas ) and Their Distribution in South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve , Elissa Connolly-Randazzo

Mapping Ecosystem Service Flows of Estuary Restoration Projects on the Oregon Coast to Identify Impacted Stakeholders , Shersten King Finley

Modeling Postfire Effects on Snow Albedo and Forest Recovery Over a Chronosequence of Burned Forests in the Triple Divide Region of the Rocky Mountains , Anton J. Surunis

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Multi-scale Environmental Conditions Associated with Shade-Tolerant Conifer Regeneration in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon , Matthew Cook

Forest Fire Effects on the Temporal Variability of Landscape Snow Albedo Relative to Burn Severity , Max Gersh

The Use of Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies as Indicators of Fine Sediment Pollution in Salmon-Bearing Streams of the Pacific Northwest , Cory Michael McCaffrey

A Ground-Based Assessment Framework for Validating Diesel Particulate Emission Models and Applicability in Portland, OR , Kirsten Marie Sarle

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Seasonal Study of Ecoroof Metal and Nutrient Dynamics and Associated Drivers in an Ecoroof on a Commercial Building in North Portland Oregon , Alex Vijay Bans

Wildfire Risk Assessment for a Municipal Watershed in Western Oregon, USA: Methods for Projecting the Impact of Mid-21st Century Climate Change on Wildfire Hazard , Andy McEvoy

Before and After the Storm: Interactions between Tree-Fall Canopy Gaps, Plant Phenology, and Frugivorous Lemurs in Masoala National Park, Madagascar , Monica Sue Mogilewsky

Modeling Spatiotemporal Patterns of PM2.5 at the Sub-Neighborhood Scale Using Low-Cost Sensor Networks , Philip Jeffrey Orlando

Do Fungal Symbionts of Salt Marsh Plants Affect Interspecies Competition? , Vanessa Robertson-Rojas

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Impact of Infrastructure on Habitat Connectivity for Wildlife , Leslie Lynne Bliss-Ketchum

The Invasion Ecology of Ivy ( Hedera spp.) in Portland's Forest Park , Eric Paul Butler

Stormwater Treatment Effectiveness of Established Bioretention Facilities in Portland, Oregon , Emma Rose Kohlsmith

The Influence of Neighborhood Landscape Characteristics on Native Bird Communities: Implications for Increasing Biodiversity in Our Yards , Michael E. Vermeulen

Are We Providing Preferred Floral Resources for Bees in Our Neighborhoods? : Assessing the Relationship Between Small Scale Vegetation Metrics and Bee Presence in SE Portland , Hailey Wallace

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Public Participation in Plant-Pollinator Conservation: Key Assessment Areas that Support Networked Restoration and Monitoring , Kerissa Battle

Ecology and Population Dynamics of Salmonids in the Columbia River: Response of Fishes to Anthropogenic Change in a Large Riverscape , Timothy Sean Elder

Removing Dams, Constructing Science: Watershed Restoration Through a Socio-Eco-Technical Systems Lens , Zbigniew Jakub Grabowski

Long-term Variation of Summer Phytoplankton Communities in an Urban Lake in Relation to Lake Management and Climate Conditions , Yuan Xiao Grund

Lone Wolves and Copycats: Assessing Policy and Infrastructure for Flood Hazard and Floodplain Management , Samantha L. Hamlin

Rock Glaciers of the Contiguous United States: Spatial Distribution, Cryospheric Context, and Riparian Vegetation , Gunnar Forrest Johnson

Mooring Impacts on Zostera marina Meadows and Associated Epifauna in Nantucket Harbor, Massachusetts, USA , Andrew Wright McCandless

Recovery of Zooplankton Communities to Whole-Lake Disturbance , Brian Newton McGann

Modeling Spawning Habitat Potential for Chum (Onchorhynchus keta) and Pink Salmon (O. gorbuscha) in Relation to Landscape Characteristics in Coastal Southeast Alaska , Bernard Timothy Romey

Using Wetlands to Prevent the Surface Accumulation of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae from Upper Klamath Lake , Arick Christopher Rouhe

Soil Phosphorus Characterization and Vulnerability to Release in Urban Stormwater Bioretention Facilities , Benjamin James Shetterly

Effectiveness of Pollinator Enhancements in Portland Community Orchards , Jess Alan Tyler

Composition and Dispersal Dynamics of Vegetation Communities in Urban Riparian Forests , Christa von Behren

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Urban Impacts to Forest Productivity, Soil Quality, and Canopy Structure in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon , Andrew David Addessi

Modeling of Ultrafine Particle Emissions and Ambient Levels for the Near Roadside Environment , Sauda Ahmed

Influence of Mixing and Buoyancy on Competition Between Cyanobacteria Species in Upper Klamath Lake , Roberta Joann Brunkalla

Turbidity Dynamics during High-Flow Storm Events in the Clackamas River, Oregon 2006-2012 , Micelis Clyde Doyle

Root-enhanced Infiltration in Stormwater Bioretention Facilities in Portland, Oregon , Ted David Hart

Ecosystem Recovery in Estuarine Wetlands of the Columbia River Estuary , Sarah Ann Kidd

Invertebrate Community Composition Across Inundation Regimes and Its Potential to Reduce Plant Stress , Inez Ilicia Lawson

Non-Native Mangroves ( Rhizophora mangle ) of Moloka'i, Hawai'i: a Socio-Ecological Analysis , Casey Lynette Lewis

Investigation of Ambient Reactive Nitrogen Emissions Sources and Deposition in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area , Jacinda L. Mainord

Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure , Whitney Elizabeth McClees

Wolbachia -Host Interactions and the Implications to Insect Conservation and Management , Amy Michelle Truitt

Responses of Aquatic Non-Native Species to Novel Predator Cues and Increased Mortality , Brian Christopher Turner

A Numerical Model Investigation of the Role of the Glacier Bed in Regulating Grounding Line Retreat of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica , Michael Scott Waibel

The Social Acceptance of Community Solar: a Portland Case Study , Anne Weaver

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Terroir of Pinot Noir Wine in the Willamette Valley, Oregon : A Broad Analysis of Vineyard Soils, Grape Juice and Wine Chemistry , Kathryn Nora Barnard

Understanding the Importance of Intermittently Fragmented Stream Habitat for Isolated Westslope Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi ) in the Colville National Forest, Washington , Forrest Michael Carpenter

An Investigation of Invasion: Boater Knowledge Concerning Aquatic Invasive Species and the Influence of the New Zealand Mud Snail on Benthic Food Webs , Samuel Anthony Cimino

Watershed Management and Private Lands: Moving Beyond Financial Incentives to Encourage Land Stewardship , Matthew Thomas DeAngelo

Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community , Sydney Marie Gonsalves

Assessing Sense of Place and Geo-literacy Indicators as Learning Outcomes of an International Teacher Professional Development Program , Nancee Hunter

A Landscape Approach to Determining and Predicting Juvenile Coho Salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) Movement Timing and Growth Patterns Prior to Ocean Entry , Amelia Lee Johnson

The Effects of Anthropogenic Stressors on Mercury Concentrations and Community Composition of Freshwater Zooplankton , Meredith Powers Jordan

Improving the Roadside Environment through Integrating Air Quality and Traffic-Related Data , Christine M. Kendrick

Biofouling Management in the Pacific Northwest and Predation on Native versus Non-native Ascidians , Erin Suzanne Kincaid

Pharmaceutical Contaminants as Stressors on Rocky Intertidal and Estuarine Organisms: a Case Study of Fluoxetine , Joseph Richard Peters

Investigating the Potential of Land Use Modifications to Mitigate the Respiratory Health Impacts of NO2: A Case Study in the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Area , Meenakshi Rao

Effects of Antibiotic Mixtures across Marine Intertidal Trophic Levels: Examining Environmentally-Relevant Contaminant Concentrations , Jaclyn Rebecca Teixeira

Relationships that Extend Beyond the Fence-Line: Private Landowner Attitudes and Interest in Conservation Easements , Ashley Lyn Vizek

Watershed Response to Climate Change and Fire-Burns in the Upper Umatilla River Basin Using the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System , Kimberly Crystal Yazzie

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Response of Zooplankton Communities in Montane Lakes of Different Fish Stocking Histories to Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition Simulations , Jeffrey Thomas Brittain

Ninth Grade Student Responses to Authentic Science Instruction , Michael Steven Ellison

The Erosion of Coastal Sediment and Regeneration of Rhizophora mangle Following Anthropogenic Disturbance on Turneffe Atoll, Belize , Heather Lyn Hayden

Effects of Selective Logging and Roads on Instream Fine Sediments and Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in the Clackamas Basin, Oregon , Paula Elizabeth Hood

Investigations of the Air-Water Interface: A Structural Analysis of Metallic Surface Films and Aquatic Surface Films by Comparative Microscopy , Randall William Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Community level impacts associated with the invasion of English ivy (Hedera spp.) in Forest Park: a look at the impacts of ivy on community composition and soil moisture , Sara Rose Copp

Managing for Resistance and Resilience of Northern Great Lakes Forests to the Effects of Climate Change , Matthew Joshua Duveneck

Macroinvertebrates and Excessive Fine Sediment Conditions in Oregon Coastal Streams , Patrick M. Edwards

Cascades Island Lamprey Passage Structure: Evaluating Passage and Migration Following Structure Modifications , Siena Marie Lopez-Johnston

Informal Trails and the Spread of Invasive Species in Urban Natural Areas: Spatial Analysis of Informal Trails and their Effects on Understory Plant Communities in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon , Jill Elise Van Winkle

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Effects of Increased Nitrogen Deposition on the Dominance of Hedera helix in the Pacific Northwest , Bianca Christine Dolan

Social-Ecological Dynamics of Coral Reef Resource Use and Management , Sarah J. Freed

Natural Area Stewardship Volunteers: Motivations, Attitudes, Behaviors , Corinne Handelman

The Role of Wood Microsites at Timberline-Alpine Meadow Borders for Conifer Regeneration , Adelaide Chapman Johnson

The Production of Organic Nitrates in Portland Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge , Holly Ann Neill

Modeling Fecal Bacteria in Oregon Coastal Streams Using Spatially Explicit Watershed Characteristics , Paul Bryce Pettus

Status of Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Populations in the Pacific Northwest and Development of Associated Control and Management Strategies, with an Emphasis on Metropolitan Habitats , Trevor Robert Sheffels

Evaluating the Effects of Road Crossing Structures on Stream-Associated Amphibians in the Wilson River Watershed, Tillamook State Forest, Oregon , Sara Erin Twitchell

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Where Is the Rain-on-Snow Zone in the West-Central Washington Cascades?: Monte Carlo Simulation of Large Storms in the Northwest , Matthew John Brunengo

Stream-Associated Amphibian Habitat Assessment in the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Region , Andrew Evans Dietrich

Long-term Responses of Phalaris arundinacea and Columbia River Bottomland Vegetation to Managed Flooding , Tina Schantz Farrelly

Late-Holocene Flood History, Flood-Frequency, and Paleoclimate Analysis of the Central Black Hills, South Dakota , Tessa M. Harden

Site Selection by Migratory Shorebirds in Oregon Estuaries Over Broad and Fine Spatial Scales , Aileen Kilpatrick Miller

Development of a Nephelometry Camera and Humidity Controlled Cavity Ring-Down Transmissometer for the Measurement of Aerosol Optical Properties , James Gregory Radney

The Role of Habitat Restoration and Conservation in the Changing Socio-economic Conditions of Grant County, Oregon , Kristen Lauren Senkyr

An Investigation of Urban Mobile Source Aerosol Using Optical Properties Measured by CRDT/N: Diesel Particulate Matter and the Impact of Biodiesel , Monica Elizabeth Wright

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Interception in Open-grown Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) Urban Canopy , Mitchell Bixby

Biological Erosion of Marine Habitats and Structures by Burrowing Crustaceans , Timothy Mathias Davidson

Cultivating Environmental Stewardship in Middle School Students , Kelly Anne Fischer

Deforestation, Drought and Humans: New Discoveries of the Late Quaternary Paleoenvironment of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) , Candace Lynn Gossen

Riparian Wetland Response to Livestock Exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin , Sarah Ann Holmen

Tree Growth and Spatial Pattern in Two Forest Park Permanent Plots: A Look at Stand Composition and Condition , Hannah Beth McDonald

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Diatom-Based Stream Bioassessment: the Roles of Rare Taxa and Live/Dead Ratio , Nadezhda Dimitrova Gillett

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Home > College of Social Sciences > Environmental Studies > Master's Theses

Master’s Theses and Graduate Research

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Habitat Value of Stormwater Retention Basins for Avian Species in the South San Francisco Bay , Maya D. Briones

Where and Why Do Ecosystem-Based Adaption Projects Take Place in California? , Daniel K. Jacobson

Factors Impacting Indirect Potable Reuse Implementation in Orange County and Santa Clara County , Sarah E. Knott

Tree Removal from an Encroached Coastal Grassland Restores Soil Bacterial Communities Before Fungal Communities , Ka Ki Law

Distribution and Habitat Use by Western Burrowing Owls (Athene Cunicularia Hypugaea) in Alameda, Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties, California , Jacqueline Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Examining the Role of MPA Signage in Helping Provide Protection for Marine Environments of Monterey Bay MPAs , Gwendolyn A. Barry

Influence of Prescribed Burning on Coast Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) Forest Wildfire Resistance, Resilience, and Risk of Repeated Fire , Sky B. Biblin

Decentralizing the Electric Grid: Giving Power Back to the People , Nicole Chen

Western Snowy Plover Dispersal in Response to Repeated Nest Loss in Monterey Bay, California , Esther A. Haile

Procedural Parity in U.S. Lithium Mining Developments , Padmaja K. Iyer

Linking Social Dynamics to Private Land Management: A Study of Prescribed Burn Associations in Northern California , Spencer R. Klinefelter

Combining Camera Trap and Fitness App Data Demonstrates that Mammals Change Behavior Near High-Use Bike Trails on Mount Tamalpais, Ca , Erin Rose Lacour

Barn Owls (Tyto alba) and Biodiversity Near Hemp Farms and Grasslands in Oregon, USA , Lacey Brianne Thun

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Use of a Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facility by Avian Populations in Central California , Quratulain Ahmed

Historic Ohlone Resource Distribution within the Alameda Creek Watershed , Naseem Fazeli

Fragmentation Drives Dominant Plant Encroachment on a Horizontal Wastewater Treatment Levee , Joia S. Fishman

Co-Composted Biochar Improves Dry-Farmed Tomato Productivity in the Santa Clara Valley, CA, with No Change in Soil Microbiology , Duncan A. Keller

Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development Through the Eyes & Lives of Low-Income Latinx Residents: A Case Study in Fruitvale, Oakland , Diana Saavedra

Black, Green, and Young: A Case Study Assessing Implementation and Outcomes of an Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Curriculum for Youth in West Oakland, California , Ashari A. Taylor-Watson

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Distribution and Habitat Use of the Santa Clara County Population of Red-bellied Newts (Taricha rivularis) , Joie de Leon

Changes in Allochronic Breeding Populations of Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus Gorbuscha) of Prince William Sound, Alaska , Claire Dormody

Through the Eyes of Community Educators: Place-based Learning, Equitable Access, and COVID-19 Impacts on Outdoor Environmental Education in the San Francisco Bay Area , Alycia Ellington

Wicked Problems: Understanding How Cities and Counties in California are Tackling Climate Change and Homelessness , Guadalupe Michelle Franco

Urban Agroecology for Food Sovereignty and Biodiversity: Are Urban Community Farms or Gardens More Effective? , Heidi L. Giancola

Greywater Systems, Greywater Quality Parameters, and Impacts on Soil Characteristics in Santa Clara County, California , Sara Khosrowshahi Asl

Assessing Convolutional Neural Network Animal Classification Models for Practical Applications in Wildlife Conservation , Julia Larson

Urban Edge Effects on Soil Conditions, Stand Structure, and Understory Composition in a Coast Redwood Forest , Nanako Oba

Hook-billed Kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus, southbound autumn migration in Belize and Mexico , Ryan Anthony Phillips

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Coast Redwood Stand Composition, Structure, and Fuel Load Following Prescribed Fire in Big Basin Redwoods State Park , David Cowman

An Examination of Garden-Based Education Impacts on Title 1 Elementary School Students’ Environmental Literacy in San José, California , Alexandra Dahl

Flooded Rice Model Reveals Fungicide Risk to Wildlife in California’s Sacramento Valley , Ping Ding

Noise Pollution, Environmental Justice, and Urban Green Space Accessibility: A Case Study in San José, California , Lauryn Duoto

Effects of Urbanization and Habitat on the Diet and Reproduction of Red-shouldered Hawks in Central California , Catherine Y. Fisher

Understory Response to Restorative Thinning in Coast Redwood Forests , Alyssa Hanover

Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Lithium-Ion Batteries Operating In California's Electrical Grid In 2019 , Peter J. Hilkene

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Assessments in Santa Clara County, CA: An In-Situ Analysis of Select Bioretention Projects , Laura Bates

Comparing Levels Of Environmental Literacy Between Stars- and Non-Stars-Rated Universities , AnaLisa Kathleen Campos

Climate-Driven Insect Herbivory in Mixed Coast Live Oak Woodlands Within the Mt. Hamilton Range, Santa Clara County , Michelle Domocol

Avocado Root Rot: Steep, Rocky Terrain and Biodiversity Help Protect Small Farmers in Post-Conflict Colombia , Morgan Frankel

Relationship Between Habitat Variables and Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) Population Trends in the South San Francisco Estuary , Patrice Frazier

Photovoltaic Waste Management and Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility in the Solar Industry in California , Lee-Tan Lu

Summer Habitat Used by American Kestrels in Santa Clara County, California , Nicole Tomes

Pond Occupancy by Western Pond Turtles in the Diablo Range of Santa Clara County, California , Billy Tu

Extended Producer Responsibility and the Environmental Policy Implementation Process in California: A case study of Paintcare , Justin Ian Weiss

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Whiteness of the Elephant in the Room: How White Guilt, White Fragility, and Colorblind Racial Ideology Shape Environmental and Social Justice Activism in Santa Cruz County , Robert Michael Foran

Low-cost Air Monitors Effectively Show School-Level Particle Matter Risks Are Comparable Across Demographic Groups Within An Impacted California Air Region , Farkhondeh Kazemi

Empowerment to Action: Youth Participation in a Community-Based Stewardship Program , Carly Egnater Silverman

Assessment of Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) Nesting Habitat in the San Francisco Bay Area , Prabha Venu

Nonpoint Source Bacterial Pollution in the Coyote Creek Watershed , Elisabeth Wilkinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Using Recycled Water For Potable Reuse In Santa Clara County, CA: High School Students' Knowledge and Acceptance , Nicholas Ronald Ajluni

Illegal Dumping as an Indicator for Community Social Disorganization and Crime , Amory Anne Brandt

Using Stable Isotope Analysis to Infer Breeding Latitude and Migratory Timing of Juvenile Pacific-Slope Flycatchers (Empidonax Difficilis) , Emily Bailey Moffitt

Grower Attitudes Towards Water Management Strategies While Mitigating Seawater Intrusion: A Case Study Of The Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project , Jason Ray Reed

Effect of Land Use Types on the Distribution of Carnivore Species in Santa Clara County, CA. , Logan Thompson

Evaluation of Oyster Shell Enhancement on Western Snowy Plover Breeding Success , Karine Tokatlian

The Role of Extended Producer Responsibility Policy and its Influence on Design for Environment within the Electronics Industry , Kristina Zeynalova

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Silicon Revolution: Sustainability Disclosures and Performance in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry (2010-2014) , Swarali Bhat

Stakeholder Engagement in Marine Protected Area Network Planning in Southern California: Understanding Fishing, Government, and Environmental Perspectives , Nicole Catalano

Wilderness State Park Volunteers: A Qualitative Case Study of Meaning and Sustainability , Christina A. Peterson

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Using ground beetles (Carabidae) to assess riparian habitat restoration on the central coast of California: Chlaenius cumatillis may be a sensitive indicator , Jeondra Jessica Arrington

Human Impacts on Rocky Intertidal Gastropods: Are Marine Protected Areas Effective? , Cassie Bednar

Alfalfa Trap Cropping Increases Abundance Of Key Arachnids In An Organic Strawberry Agroecosystem , Sutapa Biswas

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) Diet and Abundance at a Stopover and Wintering Ground on Southeast Farallon Island, California , Sara Lee Chandler

Complex effects of Nitrogen Pollution and Grazing on Nectar resources of the Adult Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis) , Nidhi Jain

Factors Affecting Western Snowy Plover Winter Foraging Habitat Selection in San Francisco Bay Ponds , Benjamin Gabriel Pearl

A Test Of Educational Methods To Reduce Boating Disturbance To Harbor Seals , Rachel Nicole Solvason

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

An Analysis of An Andean Cosmovisión: Nature, Culture, Ecology, and Cosmos , Christian Ardeleanu

From Utility to Significance: Exploring Ecological Connection, Ethics, and Personal Transformation Through a Gardening and Environmental Literacy Program within San Quentin State Prison , Melissa K. Benham

Coast redwood fire history and land use in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California , Gregory Jones

A Promiscuous Wallflower: The Rare Zayante Sandhills Endemic Erysimum Teretifolium (Brassicaceae) Benefits From Outcrossing , Miranda Kathleen Melen

An Assessment of Artificial Burrows for Burrowing Owls in Northern California , Sandra Menzel

Environmental Education as a Catalyst for Changing Students' Environmental Attitudes: A Survey of Ten Universities in the Tokyo Bay and San Francisco Bay Areas , Minako Nishiyama

Coast Redwood Community Structure and Composition following Selective-Harvest: A Case Study of Byrne-Milliron Forest , Amy K. Petersen

Using Vegetation to Reduce Nitrogen Runoff in California Caneberries , Rebecca Riesenfeld

Wastewater and Water Quality Changes in Lower South San Francisco Bay, 1957-2013. , Simret Kesete Yigzaw

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Farms on Campus: Strong Stakeholder Support for an Educational Garden at a Non-Land-Grant University , Gina M. Bacigalupi

The Effectiveness of Experiential Environmental Education: O'Neill Sea Odyssey Program Case Study , Lauren Elizabeth Hanneman

Western Burrowing Owl Predation in an Urban Setting in California: Do California Ground Squirrel Calls Reduce Risk? , Lisa Anne Henderson

Amphibian Mortality on Roads: A Case Study in Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander Habitat , Michael Thomas Hobbs

The SJSU Ecological Footprint Challenge and Its Impacts on Pro-Environmental Behavior , Matthew Eugene Lambert

Benthic Invertebrate Response to Habitat Complexity in South Bay Salt Ponds , Jessica Louise Murphey

An Ecological Assessment of Insect Diversity at Organic Central Coast Vegetable Farms on Two Spatial Scales , Emily Musgrave

Basking Western Pond Turtle Response to Trail Use in Mountain View, California , Paul Eric Nyhof

Ecotourism as a Tool for Conservation of Coast Redwoods in Santa Cruz County, California , Chandana Rao

Natural Recovery of Second-Growth Coast Redwood Stands in the Santa Cruz Mountains , Jeffrey M. Sinclair

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Ethics and Wolf Management: Attitudes Toward and Tolerance of Wolves in Washington State , Julie Callahan

Rural Water Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparative Study between Uganda and Tanzania , Paola de Cecco

Motivating California Organic Farmers to Go Solar: Economics May Trump Philosophy in Deciding to Adopt Photovoltaics , Johnathon A. Fata

Growing Greens and Soiled Soil: Trends in Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetable Gardens of San Francisco , Jennifer Gorospe

Black Oak Restoration in Multiple Use Management Projects: A Case Study in California , Gizelle Hurtado

How Smart is CEQA About Climate Change? An Evaluation of CEQA's Greenhouse Gas Analysis , PAPIA KOWSHAL

A descriptive study of old-growth Sequoia sempervirens growth form and canopy structure on a pygmy forest ecotone in Mendocino County , Zuhayl Rochin Lambert

The Effects of Restored Aquatic Large Woody Debris Structures on Invertebrate Populations in the Napa River , Clayton Christopher Leal

Producing short and long run projections for the Ecological Footprint , David Gordon Moore

Documenting the Delta: Lessons Learned From Film , Charies Lee Parker

Feral Cat Management: Perceptions and Preferences (A Case Study) , Rachel Lm Wilken

Effectiveness of a San Francisco Bay Area Community Education Program on Reducing Home Energy Use , Ellen M. Wilkinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Developing Criteria and Metrics for Assessing Recycled Water Program Effectiveness , Michelle Arias

The Environmental Impact Of The Retail Photoprocessing Industry In Santa Clara County: 1996 Vs. 2006 , Benoit Delaveau

Reducing Disturbances to Marine Mammals by Kayakers in the Monterey Bay , Megan Maye Gunvalson

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UKnowledge > College of Arts & Sciences > Earth and Environmental Sciences > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences collection was formerly known as the Theses and Dissertations--Geology collection.

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

RECENT PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL HISTORY OF JACKSON LAKE, GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING (USA) , Hillary Johnson

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

CLOSING THE MODERN SEISMIC GAP ALONG THE TETON FAULT VIA SEISMIC MAPPING OF MASS TRANSPORT DEPOSITS IN JACKSON LAKE, WY , Callia Jacqueline Cortese

USING 3-DIMENSIONAL MAPPING TO DETERMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF STRUCTURAL CONTROL ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE UPPER ORDOVICIAN LEXINGTON LIMESTONE, CENTRAL KENTUCKY, U.S.A. , Sean Davis

THE APPALACHIAN SYSTEM OF BASINS AND PLATFORMS AS A TECTONOSTRATIGRAPHIC ANALOGUE TO THE BARENTS SEA SHELF: WHERE ARCTIC MEETS THE APPALACHIANS , Gustavo De Aguiar Martins

Hypogene Speleogenesis in the Grand Canyon; Observational, Mineralogical, and Geochemical Investigations from the Bopper Cave System , Sierra Heimel

Applications of Digital Terrain Modeling to Address Problems in Geomorphology and Engineering Geology , Sarah Johnson

A Source-to-Sink Analysis of the Pantanal Basin (Brazil): Implications for Weathering, Erosion, and Landscape Evolution in the World's Largest Wetland , Edward L. Lo

Estimating Bedrock Shear Wave Velocity at VSAP, Paducah, Kentucky, Using Ambient Noise , Russel Rogers

FIELD TESTS OF A UAV-COMPATIBLE SPECTROMETER TO EVALUATE ITS SUITABILITY FOR DETAILED SOIL RADON POTENTIAL MAPPING , Alexandria Briahnne Thomas

DISCOVERY OF THE MIDDLE MANTLE TRANSITION ZONE (MMTZ) AND ITS GEODYNAMIC SIGNIFICANCE , Yuping Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

NATURALLY OCCURRING AND INTRODUCED TRACERS FOR EXAMINING WATER PATHWAYS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS , Elizabeth Avery

Tryptophan-Like Fluorescence and Non-Point Source Pollution in Karst Basins, Inner Bluegrass Region, Kentucky , Ryan Dapkus

The Revised Systematics and Paleoecology of the Devonian Stemless Crinoid Genus Edriocrinus Hall, 1858 , Catherine E. Herbert

Influence of Bedrock Erodibility on Orogen Evolution in Collisional Systems and Implications for Geodynamic Models , Stephanie Ann Sparks

SYN- TO POST-OROGENIC EVOLUTION OF COLLISIONAL MOUNTAIN SYSTEMS: INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL FOR CRUSTAL FLOW USING THERMOCHRONOLOGY AND NUMERICAL MODELS , Brandon Spencer

DEFORMATION OF WALL ROCKS AND OVERBURDEN SEQUENCES PROXIMAL TO SALT DIAPIRS IN SALT VALLEY, UTAH: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREDICTING SUBSEISMIC DAMAGE IN SALT TECTONIC SYSTEMS , William Swanger

DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICULATE ORGANIC CARBON – FLUXES AND INVENTORIES – IN GROWTH-FAULTED COASTAL WETLANDS , Samuel Joel Whitehead

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

ANALYZING SLAB HOLES IN SUBDUCTION ZONES AND THEIR IMPACTS THROUGH NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS , Taylor M. Arrowood

Integrated Geophysical Investigation of Near-Surface Faults - Sassafras Ridge, New Madrid Seismic Zone, USA , Cooper Cearley

Admittance Modeling for Elastic Thickness Across the Mars Crustal Dichotomy Boundary , Aspen Davis

Timing of Regional Metamorphism in the Inner Piedmont and Blue Ridge of North Carolina: Evidence From Monazite U-Pb Geochronology , Nicholas Edwin Powell

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

IDENTIFICATION OF THE CAUSES AND EXTENT OF ELEVATED METHANE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE GROUNDWATER OF EASTERN KENTUCKY , Cristopher Alvarez Villa

“THE TALE OF 3,000 ZIRCONS”: AN INVESTIGATION OF GRENVILLE SEDIMENTATION IN AMAZONIA USING U/PB DETRITAL ZIRCON GEOCHRONOLOGY , Felicia R. Harris

TESTING INTERPRETATIONS OF THE DISPLACEMENT MAGNITUDE OF THE TETON FAULT AND UPLIFT OF THE TETON RANGE, WYOMING WITH INTEGRATED FLEXURAL-KINEMATIC AND THERMAL MODELING , Autumn Helfrich

A MULTI-METHOD INVESTIGATION OF THE MODERN SEDIMENTATION AND LATE HOLOCENE PALEOLIMNOLOGY OF JUNE LAKE (MONO COUNTY, CA), AND A SURVEY-BASED ANALYSIS OF NINTH GRADERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS GEOLOGY , Eva Lyon

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CNR | Graduate Studies Office

Physical Address: 975 W. 6th Street Moscow, Idaho

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1142 Moscow, ID 83844-1142

Phone: 208-885-1505

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Final Project

Guidelines for ENVS 500 Research

For a thesis research project, please consult with your major professor on what deliverables are expected. In general, a thesis is a scholarly report involving primary data collection and analysis and is typically written for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. A maximum of 10 credits of Research and Thesis (ENVS 500) can be counted toward the 30-credit requirement.

Guidelines for ENVS 599 Non-Thesis Research

Link to ENVS Project Opportunities Page

The non-thesis M.S. in Environmental Science requires a minimum of three credits of ENVS 599 Non-thesis Research. This is equivalent to 120 hours of work effort over 1-2 semesters. The Non-thesis Research project is intended to be a capstone experience where information and skills built during the student’s time at the University of Idaho are brought together in a synthesizing experience.

The Non-thesis experience can take two different forms. The first is a basic research paper where the student selects a topic to research, conducts a search of the literature, and obtains research materials to read and analyze. The student may, but is not required to, carry out laboratory, field work, or interviews to develop new data and information. The final deliverable is a research paper with all information properly cited. This type of capstone experience is appropriate when the student has a topic they would like to pursue in greater detail than their coursework allowed, where the student plans to continue on to graduate school or to a Ph.D., or when building research and writing skills is a priority. The second type of capstone experience is carrying out a hands-on project in the community. This type of thesis involves selecting a project, obtaining the required permissions, developing a budget and a funding source if needed, carrying out the project, documenting the steps in the project, and putting together a portfolio that shows the steps and the progress that was made.

Sometimes the entire paper/project can be carried out in a semester, and sometimes the project is a part of a larger, more long-term plan. In most cases, it is recommended that you complete your non-thesis capstone in the final two semesters of the program. During the first semester, you will work with your advisor to identify an appropriate major professor based on your paper/project topic. The two of you will work together to develop goals and objectives for your project, along with a timeline for completion. Write up your project plan in a brief proposal that includes context – why there is a need for the paper/project – and desired outcomes, and submit it to the Environmental Science Program. The second semester will be spent carrying out the steps of your project plan – e.g., research, data collection and review - and developing your final report.

Topic and Scope

The topic you choose should help you build skills related to your career goals. If you are a working professional in a related field, one option is to align your project with activities at work. Another option is to choose a topic you learned about in a class or through personal experience and would like to explore further.

ENVS projects vary widely, incorporating quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approaches. For example, one student may conduct a feasibility study for the implementation and management of a recycling program, while another may be out in the field collecting soil samples for testing in a lab. The time and techniques required will depend on the individual nature of each project. You will need to work closely with your major professor to determine the scope of your particular project.

In both cases, the student is responsible for the following deliverables, each of which is shared with the major professor:

• Developing a topic for approval by the major professor
• Creating a timeline for progress and deliverables
• A paper/project proposal developed in consultation with the major professor
• An early deliverable should be an outline including research materials consulted to date
• (if a research paper is selected) or a progress report (if a project is selected)
• At least one draft of the final deliverable whether paper or portfolio (feedback will be given by the supervising faculty member on drafts)
• A final version of the final deliverable

It is the student’s responsibility to both develop the timeline and to share information and gather feedback from the major professor. Part of the experience involves managing the project; time management, including getting deliverables in on time, is the responsibility of the student.

For research papers, the evaluation includes the quantity and quality of the research materials consulted, the depth of the analysis carried out, and the style demonstrated by the quality of the written paper. Good graduate papers are generally around 30-40 pages with at least 15-25 references cited, including more than webpages. Good reference materials include books and articles from the scholarly literature along with materials found on the web and in magazines. For projects, evaluation includes the appropriateness of the project to a degree in environmental science, the scope of the project, time spent carrying out the project, the success of the project and impact on the community, and the quality of the portfolio.

• ENVS 599 Guidelines pdf
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• Functional genomic and metabolomics characterisation of bioleaching fungi from mine tailings  Nkuna, Rosina ( 2023-12 ) Bioleaching is a biological and an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional leaching methods for extracting metals from ores or wastes. However, its reliance on microorganism, which are sensitive to bioleaching ...
• The ecological assessment of the influence of anthropogenic activities on Palala River, Limpopo, South Africa  Sibiya, Sifundile ( 2023-08 ) Water quality integrity deterioration is a severe global issue due to urbanisation, population growth, pollution and other anthropogenic activities threatening freshwater integrity. Anthropogenic activities alter freshwater ...
• The impact of licensing on selected hazardous waste disposal facilities in South Africa  Dlamini, Zinhle Teresa (Mbili) ( 2023-02 ) This research evaluates the impact of waste licensing conditions on the operations of three selected hazardous waste disposal facilities, particularly in terms of compliance with conditions of the issued waste management ...
• Factors affecting sustainable water use in South Africa : a case of Cape Town  Musariri, Yeukai ( 2023-01-31 ) Cape Town's water shortages continue unabated, with most residents resorting to unsafe water sources. The continuation of the water shortages has reached crisis level, which signals challenges in the provision of clean, ...
• Sustainability of indigenous methods of solid waste management in Sikhunyani Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa  Rabonda, Lethabo Caroline ( 2023-02-24 ) Most rural areas do not have access to basic amenities such as municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal services and use various indigenous methods of solid waste management and disposal. Most communities in developing countries ...
• Inclusion of local community farmers in the last-mile supply chain processes of luxury wildlife tourism destinations  Van den Berg, Hugo ( 2022-12-01 ) The fresh produce supply chains' content, nature, and characteristics for luxury tourism wildlife destinations in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa are unknown. There is no synthesised document that compares the current ...
• A case study for wetland restoration towards socio-ecological appreciation of natural resources in Kwazulu-Natal (South Africa)  Acker, Cherise ( 2022-11 ) Social cognitive theory suggests that in order to bring about change in society an environment conducive to change is imperative. This theory was investigated within a socio-ecological framework using a comparative study ...
• Assessing the abundance of Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. in borehole water close to eMbalenhle wastewater treatment plant and associated human health impacts  Makhombothi, Busisiwe Fezile ( 2023-03 ) Groundwater quality is often an overlooked aspect and due to this oversight, groundwater remains vulnerable to contamination by such sources as wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Even though most WWTPs in South Africa ...
• An assessment of the occurrence and removal options of microplastics in wastewater treatment processes at the City Ekurhuleni and Midvaal in South Africa  Mphaga, Tendani ( 2023-03-03 ) The main aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence and removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment processes in Ekurhuleni and Midvaal in South Africa. The amount of microplastics and chemical composition ...
• Feeding and spatial ecology of brown hyaena (hyaena brunnea) in the presence of a vulture restaurant on Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre, Gauteng province, South Africa  Kruger, Caroline Vera ( 2022-01-21 ) Initial studies of brown hyaena occurred mainly in relatively large and arid systems, such as in the Namib Desert, the Kalahari region of southern Africa and savanna regions of Botswana and northern South Africa. In recent ...
• An investigation into the environmental sustainability of the South African ornamental horticultural industry  Goodwin, Cary Leigh ( 2023-01 ) The ornamental horticultural industry makes use of natural resources to grow plants and produce allied products to sell to consumers, landscapers, retail garden centres, hardware stores, supermarkets, and government, but ...
• Assessing factors that influence household fuelstacking behaviour within rural households in the Gonani village, Limpopo Province, South Africa  Sithole, Nkhensani Tiyani Precious ( 2023-02 ) Energy is crucial to human survival since it sustains all kinds of life. Traditional/dirty/solid energy sources have given way to modern/clean energy sources in the evolution of energy sources. Some experts have noted that ...
• Effect of real exchange rates on fruit exports in South Africa : a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) approach  Maphalle, Mohakanegi Isaac ( 2022-08 ) A country’s exports occupy an important position in determining the state of national accounts. Thus, stable performance of the export sector is important for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. In order to increase ...
• Evaluation of the effects of temperature intensity and duration on the sorption properties of mine tailings contaminated soils and the implication on fire-affected soils  Sebola, Khathutshelo Constance ( 2022-02 ) Soil heavy metal contamination that is caused by anthropogenic activities such as mining is a global concern and so it is necessary for a sustainable remediation strategy to be employed for the contaminated soil to be ...
• Impala (Aepyceros melampus) habitat utilisation and activity patterns in Sourish Mixed Bushveld  Mongale, Boitumelo Florina ( 2023-01 ) The habitat utilisation and daily activity patterns of Impala at Loskop Dam Nature (LDNR) Reserve were studied to provide an insight into the management of this species. We used the Braun-Blanquet and TWINSPAN methods ...
• Ecology and habitat utilization of leopard tortoise (stigmochelys pardalis) in Southern Kruger National Park  Khosa, Raymond ( 2021-10 ) This study investigated seasonal changes in habitat selection and movement patterns for Stigmochelys pardalis in the southern Kruger National Park. The aim of the study was to collect information on the ecology of S. ...
• Evaluating the role of informal waste sector in municipal solid waste management in Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa  Mathivha, Funanani Khangala Sampson ( 2023-03 ) To date, solid waste managers are still dwarfed by the growing challenge of delivering municipal solid waste management service to the public. This is because of the growing rate of waste generation resulting from ...
• Middle-class school choice: a case study of selected private Catholic schools, Johannesburg  Machard, Deborah Catherine ( 2022-08 ) Tracking the size and shape of the black middle class post the advent of democracy in 1994 is essential to determine if South Africa is becoming a more racially equal society. In this regard, exploring access to quality ...
• Creating a "smart" solid waste recycling system : the case of high rise residential apartment block  Vlastos, Argiris ( 2020-04 ) South Africa has experienced rapid urbanisation, population growth, and economic growth since 1994 and as a result, solid waste is being produced on an ever-larger scale, despite significant environmental, social and ...
• Determining the efficacy of syringa (Melia azedarach L.) extracts and garlic (Allium sativum L.) extracts in the control of tobacco spider mites (Tetranychus evansi) in tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) under field conditions in Chiredzi District, in Zimbabwe  Show, Nyamhunga ( 2023-03 ) The production of tomatoes is hampered by a variety of pests and diseases despite the importance of tomatoes as a vegetable in everyday life and their economic significance in Zimbabwe. Tobacco spider mites (Tetranychus ...

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Preparing passionate leaders driving change in sustainability and stewardship of the environment.   —Our Mission

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Areas of study emphasis, program overview, degree requirements, project and thesis examples, financial aid and scholarships, graduate studies information at cal poly.

The Master of Science degree program in Environment Sciences and Management (MS ESM) offers advanced study in a range of environmental science and management disciplines.

The purpose of the Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management program is to provide advanced education in management of the environment and natural resources. Advanced study in environmental science, management of the environment, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and communication is the core of the degree. The degree allows an emphasis in a wide range of areas of study, listed below. Through the emphasis of study students have flexibility in creating elective coursework to suit their professional goals. The culminating experience of the degree is a professional project or traditional thesis that allows students to explore, seek solutions, or provide research on environmental challenges.

Students pursuing the professional project option should plan on a minimum of 15 months of study (4 academic quarters) for completion

• Students pursuing the thesis option should plan on two academic years of study for completion.

FOREST SCIENCE

Potential Forest Science Electives (number of units): NR 474 - Forest Stewardship Practices (at Swanton Pacific Ranch) (8) NR 402 - Forest Health (4) NR 414 - Sustainable Forest Management (4) NR 418 - Applied GIS (3)  NR 455 - Wildland Urban Fire Protection (4)  SS 440 - Forest and Range Soils (4) STAT 419 - Applied Multivariate Statistics (4)         STAT 523 - Design and Analysis of Experiments (4)     STAT 524 - Applied Regression Analysis (4)         STAT 531 - Statistical Computing with R (4)      

Some courses have prerequisites that not all students will meet; instructors can waive course prerequisites for qualified graduate students.

Potential Hydrology Electives (number of units): NR 420 - Watershed Assessment and Protection (4) SS 440 - Forest and Range Soils (4)         SS 424 - Soil Physics (5)     SS 423 - Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry (    4) SS 440 - Forest and Range Soils (4) SS 422 - Soil Ecology (4) SS 431 - Digital Soil Mapping (4) ERSC 442 - Applied Env. Groundwater Hydrology (4)         ERSC 443 - Applied Env. Contaminant Transport (4)     NR 404 - Environmental Law (3)                 NR 408 - Water Law (3)                     NR 418 - Applied GIS (3)                     CE 536 - Computer Applications in Water Resources with GIS (4)     CE 435 - Engineering Hydrology (4)             CE 434 - Groundwater Hydraulics and Hydrology (4)     BRAE 532 - Water, Wells, and Pumps (4)     GEOL 420 - Applied Geophysics (3)             STAT 419 - Applied Multivariate Statistics (4)         STAT 523 - Design and Analysis of Experiments (4)     STAT 524 - Applied Regression Analysis (4)         STAT 531 - Statistical Computing with R (4)      

SOIL SCIENCE

Potential Soil Science Electives (number of units): SS 440 - Forest and Range Soils (4)         SS 422 - Soil Ecology (4) SS 423 - Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry (    4)     SS 424     Soil Physics (5) SS 431 - Digital Soil Mapping (4) SS 440 - Forest and Range Soils (4) SS 522 - Advanced Soil Fertility (3) GEOL 401 - Field-Geology Methods (4) GEOL 402 - Geologic Mapping (4) GEOL 415 - Structural Geology (4) GEOL 420 - Applied Geophysics (3)     ERSC 442 - Applied Env. Groundwater Hydrology (4)         ERSC 443 - Applied Env. Contaminant Transport (4)     NR 404 - Environmental Law (3)                             NR 418 - Applied GIS (3)                                 STAT 419 - Applied Multivariate Statistics (4)         STAT 523 - Design and Analysis of Experiments (4)     STAT 524 - Applied Regression Analysis (4)         STAT 531 - Statistical Computing with R (4)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Potential Environmental Policy Electives (number of units):

SUSTAINABILITY

Potential Sustainability Electives (number of units): CRP 440 - Climate Action Planning (4)                 CRP 504 - Sustainable Communities (4)                 CRP 545 - Principles of Environmental Planning AGED 404 - Agricultural Leadership (3)                 EDES 406 - Sustainable Environments (4)                 RPTA 413 - Tourism and Protected Area Management (4) BUS/COMS 458 - Solving Big World Challenges (4) NR 418 - Applied GIS (3)                         NR 445 - Systems Thinking in Environmental Management (4) NR 465 - Ecosystem Management (4) BIO 446 - Ecosystem Ecology (4) CE 527 - Sustainable Mobility (4) CM 425 - Sustainability and Environment (1-6 units) ECON 431 - Environmental Economics (4) ECON 432 - Economics of Energy and Resources (4) EDES 408 - Implementing Sustainable Principles (4) EDES 410 - Advanced Implementation of Sustainable Principles (4) EE 420 - Sustainable Electric Energy Conversion (4) ENVE 450 - Industrial Pollution Prevention (4) LA 432 - Landscape Ecology Applications (4) MATE 485 - Materials and the Environment (4)

The     Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management   (MS ESM) degree is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide core knowledge in research methods, environmental science, and environmental management, while providing for environmental specialization through directed electives. The program prepares students for a broad range of careers in science, research, and environmental management.The MS ESM program: (1) provides core knowledge in research skills and scientific literacy; (2) provides advanced knowledge in both environmental sciences and environmental management; (3) allows students to specialize in an environmental science or management sub-discipline through choice of electives, (4) is flexible, providing options for student to apply their knowledge through both a traditional thesis or a professional project.  

The program is open to students from any undergraduate major who have demonstrated high academic achievement. The program requires completion of a core curriculum (research skills, sciences, management) and directed electives for a total of 45 units. Students admitted to the program are expected to begin their studies in the fall quarter as a cohort, but students with prerequisite coursework deficiencies may be admitted in other quarters.

Admission requirements for this program require that students have at least a 3.0 GPA in the final 90 quarter units of their undergraduate degree and completion of the following undergraduate coursework:   

Sciences — three quarters or two semesters of any combination of chemistry, biology, ecology, physics, earth science, or atmospheric science   Statistics —one quarter or one semester   Calculus —one quarter or one semester 

An applicant who lacks prerequisite coursework may be admitted as a conditionally classified student and must make up any deficiencies (12 unit limit) before advancement to classified graduate standing.  

The GRE exam is optional. Applicants must have at least 3 letters of reference that can attest to the academic capabilities of the applicant. All applicants who do not speak and write English as their primary language are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), taken within the last 2 years with a minimum score of 550 (paper version), 213 (computerized version), or 80 (internet based). 

Applications for fall 2025 admission will be available November 2025. The deadline for fall 2025 applications is March 1, 2025. Only complete applications will be reviewed (all letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and official transcripts submitted.

In Cal State Apply you will see a winter 2025 admission option for our program. We use this for rare and isolated situations where a faculty member needs a specific student. Please do not apply for winter admission unless you were specifically told by a faculty member and the graduate coordinator that you should apply. Fall term is when we admit each year's cohort.

Cost to attend Cal Poly

Application and supporting materials are submitted through Cal State Apply. Specific instructions and the link to Cal State Apply can be found on the Cal Poly Graduate Education website ( https://admissions.calpoly.edu/applicants/graduate/process.html ). There are additional requirements for foreign students. Questions concerning applications from foreign students should be directed to the Cal Poly Admissions Office https://admissions.calpoly.edu/applicants/international/ .  

The following requirements are specific to our program: 

• 3.0 GPA in final 90 quarter units 
• Transcripts from degree granting institution (other transcripts optional) 
• Three letters of reference 
• Personal Statement (see step 2) 

The MS-ESCI degree has the option of doing a traditional thesis or a professional project. The professional project option is the primary option for this degree and can be completed in as few as 4 quarters (1 calendar year). We do offer a thesis option that is generally 2 years of study.  

Step 1 - Contact potential faculty advisors 

Admission to the program is contingent on us connecting the applicant with a faculty advisor. You are required to contact faculty with expertise that interests you to discuss potential projects. Review the list of faculty and potential graduate projects below. 

Contact information can be found on the NRES faculty directory: https://nres.calpoly.edu/faculty-staff-directory  

  Faculty who are currently interested in advising graduate students: List coming fall 2024 and updated through winter 2025.

Potential graduate projects for Fall 2025: List coming fall 2024 and updated through winter 2025

Step 2 - Prepare personal statement 

The personal statement tells the review committee about your education and professional background, professional and personal goals, intention of study emphasis, and potential faculty advisors. This information will allow us to pair you with a professional project to assist with your education goals.  

Address all of the following prompts in your personal statement in 1,000 words or less: 

• Describe your interest in pursuing a Master of Science in our Environment Sciences and Management Program, including which area of study you would focus on. 
• How does your academic and professional background prepare you to undertake this MS program?  What academic and/or professional goals do you believe this MS program will help you to accomplish? 
• Based on your conversations with faculty advisors in Step 2, identify at least one potential faculty advisor and describe how your interests align with their project(s) and/or expertise.   

Step 3 - Submit application materials 

All application products are compiled in CSU Apply. Specific instructions and the link to Cal State Apply can be found on the [Cal Poly Graduate Education website]( https://admissions.calpoly.edu/applicants/graduate/process.html ). You will specify who your letters of recommendation will be submitted by providing a name and email address. The person(s) will then be prompted, via email, to privately submit their letters. DO NOT send letters in personally; they will not be accepted. It is recommended that letters be from people who can speak to both your professional and academic abilities. You will also need to request official transcripts in the application. 

*Elective course selections will depend on students’ interests and sub-discipline emphasis. Students in the research thesis option will consult with their research supervisor to ensure appropriate alignment of student learning objectives with selected courses. Students in the professional project option will consult with the graduate program coordinator for the selection of electives.

Suggested Courses (1 Year)

• Offered fall and winter terms.  
• At least 27 units of the 45 units must be at 500 level.  
• Thesis students arrange ESCI 599 credit with their advisers. 

Read about some of our current students and graduates ›

Created by Brent Flemmer, Jackie Morales, Grace Damaschino, Sara Sternberg, MS Candidates 2023

Professional projects consist of an advanced learning experience in environmental sciences or management. The professional project and coursework can be completed in as little as 15 months, assuming a significant summer effort on the project.   Students are admitted and assigned a project and project adviser based on their academic interests as stated in their application.  The final project completion and grade will be determined through project course (ESCI 596) with advisement from the faculty adviser.  

A thesis consists of an advanced learning experience under the advisement of a major professor adviser and thesis committee.  Typically a 2+ year educational experience. The student’s thesis committee determines if the thesis meets the requirements of an MS degree.

Thesis committee comprises of 3 individuals:  1) major adviser, 2) NRES faculty member, 3) faculty member or professional with interest or intimate knowledge of the project. 

All culminating experiences (theses and projects) require a written report.  The report will follow the University guidelines for preparation of a thesis located on the Graduate Education web site .

Completed Project Reports 

Completed Project Reports are found on Digital Commons @Cal Poly    https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/nres_rpt/  

Recent Thesis Examples

Julia Ridgeway, 2019,  An analysis of changes in stream temperature due to forest harvest practices using DHSVM-RBM  (adviser: Dr. Surfleet) https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2093/  

Devin Pritchard-Peterson, 2018,  Field Investigation of Stream-Aquifer Interactions: A Case Study in Coastal California  (adviser: Dr. Malama) https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1870/   

Cody Morse, 2018, Quantifying the Environmental Performance of a Stream Habitat Improvement Project (adviser: Dr. Chiu) https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1972/  

Financial Aid Information

Potential research assistant, teaching assistant, tuition waiver awards through Graduate Education

Please visit the University's Graduate webpage for information on financial resources and graduate studies information at   Cal Poly Graduate Information   or our College's webpage at   CAFES Graduate Information

For more information contact:

Dr. chris surfleet.

Phone: (805) 756-2743 Office: 180-518

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Phd theses within environmental sciences.

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20 Timely Thesis Topics for Environmental Science Students

The study of the environment revolves around everything that has to do with the Earth, its atmosphere, natural bodies and elements that define what we know today as our planet. Therefore, coming up with environmental thesis topics is something you can do by taking into consideration the diverse niches under the body or environmental sciences.

This article will explore the different aspects of environmental science with the aim of coming up with a list of environmental dissertation topic. So read along and do not hesitate to use any of the topic ideas discussed here as the brainchild of your thesis.

Environmental Science Thesis Topics

• An Analysis of the Western World’s Policy towards Healthy Ocean Management and Its Results
• Scrutinizing the Role of Technology in Environmental Engineering with the Aim of Improving the Environment
• Evaluating Alternative Energy Systems and the Role They Play in Managing the Earth’s Ecosystem and Minimizing Pollution
• Analyzing the Nigeria’s Niger Delta, its Environmental and Legal Issues and how Environmental Engineering Can be Used to Solve Them
• The Ecological Importance of the Amazon Forest, its Troubles and how Policies Can be Developed to Counter Them.
• The Importance of Creating Environmental Policies, protocols, and Laws to Preserve some of the Earth’s Symbolic Locations
• A Research on Public Education and the Different Techniques that can be Employed to Increase Public Awareness of Environmental Issues
• An Analysis of China’s Environmental Pollution Struggle and the Role Technology can Play in Alleviating its Problems
• An Analysis of Public Health, Animal Rights and the Need to Create Policies to Guide both Concepts
• A Research on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Western Nations and the Role of Human Habits in Aiding its Fluctuations
• An Analysis of Noise and Light Pollution and Their Effects on Public Health
• The Global Warming Phenomena, its Diversions, and the Studies Dedicated to Tracking Changes Attributed to Global Warming
• An Analysis of Carbon dioxide Fluxes Covering the Roles Played by Plants, Animals, and Water Bodies
• An Analysis of Water and Air Pollution and Their Impact Microorganisms
• An Analysis of Water Pollution, the Transportation of Water Pollutants and their Effects on Ocean Life Forms
• Analyzing Soil Contamination in Marshy Lands and the Importance of Computer Modeling for Understanding Their Impact
• The Impact of Soil and Water Pollution on Pond-dwelling Organisms and Their Effects on Amphibians
• Scrutinizing the National Environment Policy Act and How It Can be Implemented in the Developing World
• Making a Case for an International Environmental Protocol to Monitoring and Managing Public Health
• An Analysis of the Developing World and how the Interaction between these Societies and the Environment Affects Public Health

These are some of the timely environment thesis topics we promised you at the introductory section of this article. Here we have provided environmental health dissertation topics and other ideas which you are welcome to work with.

Posted by Mike Sung

• ← 20 Topics for Dissertation in International Relations

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Thesis Work in biology, environmental science or sustainable development at the Department of Aquatic Resources

Do you want to work with marine biology, marine ecology, freshwater biology, freshwater ecology, limnology or sustainable development? Make a difference for the Baltic Sea, the Skagerrak or Kattegat, for lakes or running waters! As a thesis worker at our department, you will get the chance to deal with real problems in ongoing research projects, and have supervisors who are Sweden's leading experts in the field. You get to use theoretical knowledge in practice, and get the chance to participate in exciting fieldwork.

Our current calls concern a variety of topics in our field, such as fish, fisheries, shellfish, seals, waterfowl, ecosystems and sustainability issues.

Current calls for bachelor thesis (15 ECTS)

(Are you looking for a master thesis project (30/60 ECTS), go and have a look here! )

Fish welfare: Physiological responses to anaesthisia in brown trout

Bachelor project (15 ects) or master project (30/60 ects) in biology, fish welfare : physiological responses to anaesthisia in brown trout.

This research project aims to explore how brown trout respond to different anaesthetics. When set in water with an anaesthetic agent, fishes initially respond with increased activity. This results in  a cascade of physiological processes in the fish. In this project some of these responses will be investigated.

There is a wide array of different teleost species used in scientific research world-wide. These fish are frequently anaesthetised for various procedures and previous studies suggest that there is a divergence in the response to different anaesthetics among species. The use and efficiency, from a practical point of view, of anaesthetics in different species have been studied and reviewed. However, the fish welfare aspect and the in depth understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of action and effect in different species are largely unknown. In view of our increased awareness of animal welfare, also regarding fish, along with an increased use of fish as experimental animals, standardised anaesthetic protocols that are species specific is a necessity to assure best practices with focus on fish welfare.

In earlier experiments we have shown that the stress (cortisol) response in brown trout appear to be higher in more acid water; non-buffered tricaine methanesulfonate lower the pH.

This project we will attempt to investigate thes further by comparing the response of juvenile brown trout to four treatment (non-buffered tricaine methanesulfonate, buffered tricaine methanesulfonate., river water and river water with pH=3 (using hydrochlorid acid).

Blood sample will be taken from about 80 trout and the blood will late be analyzed.

Depending on the number of credits the student wish to achieve the brains of the trout will also be sampled and analyzed for monamines (such as dopamine and noradrenaline).

Erik  Petersson Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) [email protected] 010-4784239

Svante Winberg Uppsala University [email protected] Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry [email protected]

Fish welfare: Physiological responses to anaesthisia in zebrafish

Bachelor level (15 ects) or master level (30/60 ects) in biology , fish welfare : physiological responses to anaesthesia in zebrafish.

This research project aims to explore how zebrafish respond to different anaesthetics. When set in water with an anaesthetic agent, fishes initially respond with increased activity. This, in turn, onset a cascade of physiological processes in the fish. In this project some of these responses will be investigated.

Zebrafish is the second most common laboratory aninmal in Sweden right now and knowledge about zebrafish behavior and physiology are important for future care and housing of the species.

In earlier experiments we have gathered information about the stress response in zebrafish to metomidate and tricaine methanesulfonate. We now like to investigate the response to three other  anaesthetic methods: eugenol, benzocaine and rapid cooling.

Zebrafish will be anaesthetized with the three methods mentioned above, the fish will thereafter be sampled for cortisol (whole –body). This require that the cortisol is extracted, i.e. you will spend many days in the laboratory.

Depending on the number of credits the student wish to achieve the brains of the zebrafish will also be sampled and analyzed for monamines (such as dopamine and noradrenaline).

Developing a socio-ecological model for risk assessment in the Baltic Sea

Bachelor's level (15 ects) or master's level (30 ects), thesis work in biology or sustainable development at the department of aquatic resources, swedish university of agricultural sciences.

Within this project you will have the opportunity to develop a socio-ecological model for the Bothnian Sea that can be used for future management decisions in collaboration with stakeholders, managers and scientists.

A key aim in ecosystem-based management (EBM) is to establish common goals among stakeholders, as this is expected to enable the continued delivery of ecosystem services, while reducing user conflicts. Socio-ecological models are often used to support this aim. The models help increase the understanding between stakeholders and scientists and investigate how management actions could affect the ecosystem and the people who depend upon it. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management has initiated an EBM pilot project in the southern Bothnian Sea to involve stakeholders in developing an ecosystem-based management that integrates environmental goals with societal goals for the region.

As part of the pilot EBM project, you will develop a socio-ecological model for the Bothnian sea in collaboration with stakeholders, managers and scientists. This, so called fuzzy cognitive model can be used in preparing future management decisions and increase the understanding between managers, stakeholders and scientists of the ecological and societal processes that affect environment status.

Practical work includes conducting interviews with managers and stakeholders and contributing to workshops within the southern Bothnian Sea EBM project. You should be familiar with R, interested in ecosystem-based management and comfortable interacting with people of different backgrounds. No previous modelling experience is necessary.

Carolyn Faithfull, researcher Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute ov Coastal Research , SLU [email protected] , +46(0)10-478 41 74

Round goby – turning risk to resource

Bachelor's level (15 ects) or master's level (30/60 ects), round goby – turning risk to resource, thesis work in biology or environmental science at the department of aquatic resources, swedish university of agricultural sciences.

The round goby is native in the Black sea and Capian Sea but has probably come by ballast water to the Baltic Sea. It was first reported 1990 in the bay of Gdansk where ot is now the most common coastal fish species. In 2008 it was reported in Sweden for the first time, in the archipelago of Karlskrona. It now occurs from Kalmar Sound up to Gävle and also around Gotland and in Gothenburg.

The round goby is an invasive species with high reproduction speed and highly tolerant for environmental stressors. There is a risk that it will compete with other bottom dwelling species and also consume eggs & fry of native species but it can also be a resource for predatory fish and humans. One concern is that it may invade freshwater systems and knowledge about its migrating capability and potential barriers to stop it from entering rivers is needed. In order to utilize the species and develop efficient fishing gear knowledge is needed about the behavior of the fish around different fishing gears. The suggested projects below are experimental studies contributing with knowledge in both these important areas and they are part of the Research project Round goby – turning risk to resource. All experiments are conducted in Älvkarleby, by the river Dalälven south of Gävle, either at SLU Fisheries Resaerch Station (FFS) or at the Vattenfalls experimental facility Laxeratorn. Depending on your skills and interest the thesis can either be within biology or environmental science with room for personal research questions. The work is flexibel and can be either on candidate or master level.

• Migration ability (15-60 ETCS), ), practical work is done during 3-6 weeks between August to September in Vattenfall Laxeratorn with potential complementing studies at FFS in October for the 60hp work. In this experiment the ability to migrate in an artificial fisheway at different speed of the water and with different barriers is studied for round goby, trout and bullhead. The study can be done on one or several species depending on the number of credits of the thesis. The work can also be done later in the year on recorded videomaterial from the experiments.
• Behaviour around fishing gear (15-60 ETCS), practical work is done during 2-3 weeks in September in the Laxelerator. In this experiment the behehaviour of round goby in the vicinity of a fishging gear is studied with the objective to create efficient methods to catch round goby. The work can also be done later in the year on recorded videomaterial from the experiments.

Ann-Britt Florin, Head of Division Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, SLU [email protected] , +46 10 478 41 22

Round goby – turning risk into resource

Thesis projects about salmonids in river Dalälven

Bachelor (15 ects) or master level (30/60 ects), thesis projects about salmonids in river dalälven.

SLU:s Fisheries research station in Älvkarleby produce around 140 000 salmon and trout per year for river Dalälven. A prerequisite for environmental friendly and ethical aquaculture is that reserach is conducted on breeding and rearing of fish. Here we have ongoing reserach and environmental analsysis, and we have aquarieas, creeks and streams for experiments and in addition skilled personel.

We are looking for students for the following projects:

• Survival of salmon and trout smolt. The cormorant has been identified as a potentially important predator on smolt (salmonid juveniles) but scientific estimates from todays situation in river Dalälven is missing. Since some of the smolt is tagged with pit‐tags it is possible to look for these tags in cormorant colonies. The project involves scanning after pit‐tags in cormorant colonies along the coast but may also include investigations of regurgitates from cormorants or other fisheating birds. The field part is conducted after the breeding season of the birds, i.e. sep‐nov 2020
• Enhanced quality of stocked fish. It is desirable that the stocked fish similar to wild fish, but a common problem is that reared fish have damaged finns and also grows to fast and becomes to fat compared to wild fish. In this project the effect of different feedingregimes on condition, survival and fin damage is investigated. Also experiments with different densities of fish can be included. The project can take place almost anytime between march and december.
• Historic trends of spawning fish in river Dalälven. Breeding and rearing has taken place at the fisheries resaerch station for amlost 100 years. During this time data on the wild fish migrating from the sea has been collected which makes it possible to study changes in salmon and trout populations in the river in for example size, condition eggsize etc. This project can either be fully theoretical and take place anytime during the year or involve some practical work during either the fishing (aug) or breeding (oct) season.

Depending on previous education and interest the thesis can either be in ecology or environmental analysis and there is room for reserach questions of your own making. The extent is flexibel and the thesis can be done either on candidate or master level.

Energy content in the diet of breeding seabirds

Bachelor (15 ects) or master (30/60 ects), energy content of the diet of common guillemots in the baltic sea.

Common guillemots Uria aalge L. (Am. Eng.: Common Murre) are marine piscivorous top predators with a circumpolar Arctic distribution. Long-term studies have shown that they can be important indicators of changes in marine food webs and ecosystems. The largest Common guillemot colony in the Baltic Sea (~ 15 000 pairs) is at the island of Stora Karlsö. Since 1997, a long-term research program is following this colony and collects annual data on survival, reproduction and diet, among other things.

Obtaining high energy food is a prerequisite for successful breeding and survival in Common guillemots. Several studies have shown that the main food in the Baltic Sea is sprat Sprattus sprattus . New data however show that herring Clupea harengus can also be a significant part of the diet. The energy content of herring of different sizes, and the possible energy content differences between sprat and herring is today unknown. The knowledge is important for evaluating the conservation status of Common guillemots in the Baltic Sea and how much fish that must be left in the sea to ensure survival of seabirds.

The degree thesis focusses on analyzing the energy content of the prey fish of Common guillemots. The fish has already been collected by the Institute of Marine Research in Lysekil. The fish will be analyzed using a bomb calorimeter by the student. This work will take place in Ultuna, Uppsala. The data obtained will be analyzed statistically. The project is planned for Bachelor's level (15 ECTS) but can be expanded into a Master's project as well (30–60 ECTS).

Links www.balticseabird.com www.storakarlso.se

Jonas Hentati Sundberg, Researcher Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Marine Research, SLU [email protected] , +46 10 478 40 70 , +46 739-38 79 69

Ecology and management of the European eel

Bachelor projects in biology (15 ects), ecology and management of the european eel, several projects available.

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla , is red listed as critically endangered due to a steep population decline. Current management efforts aim to reverse this negative development. There are many knowledge gaps regarding everything from ecology, behaviour, and physiology to development of stock assessment parameters. You can help us fill these knowledge gaps!

We have a great variety of bachelor degree projects and research training/internship related to evaluating and synthesizing information about ecology, management and data collection of the European eel. There are also opportunities to assist in lab work and field activities, such as tagging, fyke-net fishing, dissections, and more (although keep in mind that this can be difficult to fit within a 15 hp project!).

Project examples

• Evaluating tagging and tracking data of eels in river systems, lakes and in the sea. Students can be involved in the tagging and tracking procedures, depending on time availability. Topics that can be addressed include survival (fisheries induced survival, hydropower induced mortality), movement, long distance migration, etc.
• Improve data collection programs. To monitor the eel stock, data is collected on a number of variables, such as landings, individual length, parasite prevalence, age, etc. Since data collection is time consuming and costly it is important that it is efficient. Any improvements that can be made to the monitoring programs are highly valuable, including 3R aspects.
• Evaluation of management activities such as restocking and fisheries regulations.
• Behavioural and physiological studies.

The work will be supervised by Dr Josefin Sundin and Dr Philip Jacobson. Depending on the project, the student should have an interest in fish ecology, behavioural ecology, fisheries science, data analysis, statistics, and scientific writing.

At the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU Aqua) in Drottningholm (Stockholm), Uppsala-Ultuna, or Öregrund. Several projects can also be done online.

Josefin Sundin, Researcher Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, SLU [email protected] , +46 10 478 42 24

Philip Jacobson, Researcher Department of Aquatic Resources, Unit Diadromous Species [email protected] , +460104784278, +46722438879

Does reed harvesting affect insect production?

In this project you will compare insect biodiversity between two Baltic bays, one where the reed ( Phragmites australis ) bed has been harvested, and the other un-changed as a control. Over the past years, we have compared changes in bird, fish and macrophyte communities. Now, we will additionally survey insect biodiversity in the same locations. We are looking for a motivated student to collect, process and analyse insect samples, dependent on timing of your thesis.

The common reed ( Phragmites australis ) is a habitat forming emerging plant found on Baltic and freshwater shorelines. Reed, like trees in a forest, many important ecological functions such as structure, shelter and a source of food for numerous fish, birds, insects and mammals. However, increasing eutrophication has caused reed to invade new habitats and form large monocultures with low biodiversity. The harvesting of reed has the potential to combat monoculture formation and restore habitat heterogeneity, thereby benefiting ecosystems functions and services where reed has become too dense and/or invaded.

In this project, we investigate the impact of reed harvesting on biodiversity by performing surveys of fish, bird, insect and macrophytes in a reed harvested area, and comparing this with the same surveys at a nearby control site. For insects, we will use emergence ans/or swimming traps to collect insects in the two contrasting areas. We are also happy to discuss new or other ideas within the topic of reed harvesting effects on the ecosystem. Field studies are based in Harg, near Östhammar, with office space available at Ultuna, Uppsala. Feel free to contact with any questions, or if you are interested in doing a bachelor thesis within this project!

William Ashworth,Doctoral student Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, SLU [email protected] , +46 10 478 41 68

Örjan Östman, Senior Lecturer, Director of Studies - basic education Department of Aquatic Resources, SLU [email protected] , +46 10 478 41 53

Related pages:

• Fish and aquacultural science
• Genetics and breeding
• Climate research
• Natural science
• Fish and wildlife management

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Welcome to etd@IISc!

This is the digital repository of Theses and Dissertations of Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore, India. You can search, browse and access theses and dissertations from this collection. This repository has been developed to capture, disseminate and preserve research theses of Indian Institute of Science. It complements ePrints@IISc , the research publications repository of IISc

Note that only recently completed M.Sc.(Engineering) and Ph.D. theses will be accepted for online submission to etd@IISc. Further, only research student or her/his guide can submit the thesis. IISc Library is converting old print theses for adding to etd@IISc. For submitting electronic copy of an old theses, please contact the etd@IISc Administrator .

Before you can submit a thesis, you should first Register with etd@IISc. After completing registration, you can proceed to submit your thesis. Only IISc email ID will be accepted for registration.

PDF is the preferred document format for thesis. If your thesis is in MS Word format, you are requested to convert it into PDF format.

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Earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety (MSCJPS) is a 36 credit hour graduate degree that prepares students with the analytic skills, theoretical understanding, empirical knowledge, and practical applications related to the law enforcement, courts, correctional, and private security environments.

The MSCJPS program enables students to gain advanced research skills needed to prepare them for careers as criminal justice practitioners, as well as continuing their education in doctoral programs in criminology and/or criminal justice. The MSCJPS program also offers a thesis option for students seeking advanced research careers or a doctoral degree.

The MSCJPS leverages the expertise of the O’Neill School faculty that are actively engaged in research with local and national organizations, the urban location of the university, established partnerships with the community and local criminal justice organizations, and the social, demographic and economic trends that are attracting greater numbers of students to study, live, and work in metropolitan areas.

The criminal justice field is continually evolving

New criminal justice-focused organizations are emerging at a rapid pace. Traditional police and correctional agencies are becoming more reliant on personnel with critical thinking, discretionary, and evidence-based problem solving skills. Moreover, organizations that deliver community supervision, diversion, and social services are becoming more prevalent and in demand of persons with education in the varying fields of criminal justice.

The MSCJPS curriculum not only positions student for success in these fields, but also provides a gateway for students to pursue further graduate education in the social sciences.

Degree requirements

Completing the MSCJPS requires 24 core hours in criminal justice and public safety systems and law, planning and management, theory, risk analysis, and research methods. Students also choose 12 credit hours in either criminal justice or public safety, with a required 3 credit hour internship or service credit counting toward this requirement.

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The MSCJPS program also offers a thesis option for students seeking advanced research careers or a doctoral degree.

MSCJPS grad student Katie Heinz analyzed the toxicology reports of nearly 1,200 overdose victims in Marion County and compared that data with records from the Marion County Jail and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to identify intervention points for treatment.

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You can earn your degree in two to four years with full-time and part-time options. Coursework is offered in the evenings to allow students to work full-time and earn a degree. 

78% of O’Neill Indianapolis graduate students choose to pursue their degree part time

• Empirically analyze criminal justice problems and make appropriate, theoretically informed policy recommendations to solve those problems
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• Evaluate criminal justice policy and generate innovative solutions to improve those policies
• Demonstrate evidence-based problem solving skills to produce data-driven recommendations
• Critically interpret and conduct technical and quantitative analyses that contribute to the understanding of contemporary crime, police, correctional, and judicial policy
• Present complex ideas clearly and systematically in verbal, graphical, and written forms

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Solve problems at the crossroads of policy, management, and science.

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