FORT is designed to increase undergraduate student involvement in research by providing undergraduate work study stipends, scholarships, internships, and graduate assistantships. This support will create opportunities for minority students to engage in cutting edge research and high-impact education experiences. Faculty and graduate students will train undergraduates in project-specific laboratory and field research tasks in addition to more general training in scientific methods, critical thinking, and applying these skills in the classroom. This training will improve the employment prospects and scientific competency of undergraduates who seek employment in forestry upon graduation, while simultaneously facilitating the transition to MS programs for those pursuing graduate education. At the end of their undergraduate studies, all forestry majors will have an intimate and integrated understanding of a parcel of land in the context of a larger landscape and have applied experience with the analytical tools necessary to conduct research and implement and monitor forest restoration. For a listing of currently open positions, see the Employment and Fellowship Opportunities page.
Student testimonials
- CREST gave me the opportunity to be a part of a project that directly relates to what I am interested in, which is wildlife. It also gave me the pleasure of working alongside so many educated individuals that gave me so much invaluable knowledge and experience which will be demonstrated in my future career.
- Having the role of a project leader to my fellow colleagues was something that I took a lot of pride in and made sure everything we were assigned was fulfilled to the best of our ability, and any questions or concerns they had were addressed appropriately. Having this type of responsibility was beneficial because it prepared me for projects and experiences that might arise in my future career.
- [CREST activities] helped connect me to ongoing activities, speakers and events related to Forestry and Conservation Management and ensured I’d be able to focus more on my degree
- [CREST activities] helped me to expand my knowledge in research methods and designs, resume building, and helped me to better understand my own thesis project better.
- Work study employment and involvement in research that will benefit my forestry experience going into my career.