Department of Geosciences

Faculty & Student Research

Student Research

As part of our degree requirements, all Geosciences majors at Fort Lewis College conduct original research leading to a senior thesis. This process begins during the junior year Research Methods course where students are asked to begin background research of a topic that interests them. They submit research plans at the end of their junior year and often begin field work and/or data collection during the summer before their senior year. As seniors, our students are guided through data collection and analysis in Senior Seminar I and with the help of their thesis advisors. During the Spring semester in Senior Seminar II, they are guided through the process of writing a technical research paper and delivering a professional oral presentation. Many of our students present their research, through poster or oral presentations, at regional and national geosciences meetings.