Undergraduate students majoring in the sciences or engineering who are seeking experience in independent research and professional development training in urban water systems are encouraged to apply for the Urban Water undergraduate research program at Syracuse University.  The Urban Water research program is intended to train undergraduate students in research techniques in water science and engineering, and sustainable water management through independent research projects conducted in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and open research environment; provide students with professional skills, particularly on effective science communication; and develop a mentoring “pipeline”, in which undergraduates participating in the program will serve as mentors to middle and high school students while being mentored by faculty advisors. These goals will be achieved through independent research projects that address questions on urban water resources at local field sites and in faculty laboratories; one-on-one mentoring from faculty advisors; training sessions on professional development and career mentoring; interaction with middle-school students in a science camp through hands-on field observations led by participating students; oral and poster research presentations; and team building and social activities. This program aims to engage undergraduates in meaningful and stimulating research, educational and social activities to improve their professional preparation and interest in future graduate study and careers in environmental science and engineering.

Independent research projects conducted by participating students will advance fundamental and applied aspects of water science and engineering, focusing on questions pertaining to urban water systems, including water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management and receiving water effects.  Research projects will address issues pertaining to local water supply and water resources in the Syracuse, NY metropolitan area, and will be conducted under three research themes: hydrology, water quality, and sustainable water management. Training elements will include best practices for field and laboratory research, quality assurance, library services and bibliographic databases, data and graphical analysis, effective oral and poster presentations, and career mentoring.  Faculty from the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, and Chemistry, and the School of Education at Syracuse University have considerable experience mentoring undergraduate research. State of the art field and laboratory facilities are available to ensure research success and meaningful experiences.