The University of Texas at Austin Reserach Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in The Science of Global Change and Sustainability stresses the connections between scientific and policy fields related to the environment in the area of Global Change. Why is an interdisciplinary approach to Global Change issues important? Think about trying to manage complex environmental problems such as climate impacts on water resources. These problems cannot be approached successfully without considering the impacts of human influence on water or land use. The REU program illustrates approaches to attacking such difficult, multidimensional environmental issues.

Participants will explore research in the fields of ecology, geology, hydrogeology, civil engineering, biodiversity, GIS, and geography, spending ten weeks designing a research project, participating in a research group, and presenting their work. The program includes environmental science seminars, career development workshops, social outings, and field experiences. There will additionally be opportunities to visit with professionals in environmental consulting firms and government agencies, and networking events and professional development for teachers.

The University of Texas at Austin is home to top faculty and researchers in the area of global change research. ESI's mission brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines, and as such allows participants to gain a larger perspective on the state of global change science.