Capstone Research Projects

The EVS curriculum culminates in the final year of the EVS program with a two-semester capstone research experience. Under the mentorship of  a UT faculty member, students bring all of their education and experience to bear on a research question or issue that is of personal interest and importance to them. This research culminates in a final report including a research abstract, as well as in the creation of a research poster, suitable for presentation at professional conferences.  Students are also eligible to submit a proposal for a Capstone Research Award; see below for more details.

NOTE: Current EVS students preparing to conduct their Capstone Research Project should review and complete a Capstone Research Contract with their faculty mentor prior to beginning their research. EVS students must submit a signed contract to the EVS Program Office by the 4th class day of the semester enrolled to avoid being dropped from EVS 271 or  EVS 371.

Students should start exploring research options early! Here are some useful resources to get started:

• UT Office of Undergraduate Research – advising and support for getting involved with research
• EUREKA! – searchable database of faculty research interests on campus
• Past EVS Capstone Projects and Mentors – searchable/sortable database of over 90 past EVS student projects and faculty mentors. Try sorting by EVS Track or Mentor Department, or searching Mentor Research Keywords, to brainstorm ideas for your own project.
• ESI-Affiliated Faculty – compilation of faculty across the UT Austin campus teaching and conducting research on the wide variety of subjects related to environmental science. Many of these faculty members have worked with EVS students on their capstone projects in the past!