The Honors in Earth Systems provides the means and encouragement to undertake a year-long research effort under the guidance of an ES-affiliated faculty member. While all Earth Systems students must complete an approved 9 unit/270 hour interdisciplinary research/internship project and write an accompanying 15 page technical summary paper, those of you who undertake an honors project will carry your research forward or engage in a new research program during your senior year. The honors work will deepen your engagement with a research project and more fully introduce you to the process of creating new knowledge through independent research.

To qualify for the Earth Systems Honors Program, you must have and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.4. Qualified students must apply in spring quarter of the junior year. Late applications will not be considered. Your application must include a research proposal and a statement of support from your faculty research advisor(s). The Earth Systems Executive Committee, a small subcommittee of our Advisory Committee of the Whole, will review all applications to the Earth Systems Honors Program and select those who are to be admitted. You should talk with Julie Kennedy about program logistics and pre-honors advising on research options. Applications are due by 3:00pm on the third Friday of spring quarter (same as the study list deadline).

The Honors Program will consist of a year-long mentored research project that culminates in a written thesis. A maximum of 9 units will be awarded toward thesis research. Please note that those 9 units may not substitute for any other required parts of the Earth Systems curriculum.

All theses will be read and evaluated for acceptance by the thesis faculty advisor and one additional member of the Earth Systems Advisory Committee of the Whole. Please note that acceptance into the Honors Program is not a guarantee of graduating with the honors designation. The thesis must be accepted and approved by both readers.

Honors students are encouraged to present their research through the School of Earth Sciences Annual Research Review, which highlights undergraduate and graduate research in the School.

Further Questions? Contact:

Dr. Julie Kennedy
Professor (Teaching) and Associate Director
Earth Systems Program
Yang and Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building, Room 133
(650) 725-4911
juliek@stanford.edu