Mahurin - Crawford Cave Research Fellowship

The Mahurin Honors College (MHC) and Crawford Hydrology Lab (CHL) gladly introduce a new fellowship program in cave and karst research for WKU Honors Students. The fellowship will support the successful applicants (two research positions per academic year) in a research project for their Capstone Experience/Thesis (CE/T). We envision that the two student researchers will work together as a team on the same project, each focusing on a particular research question for their individual thesis.

The WKU Crawford Hydrology Laboratory (CHL) in the WKU Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences is a nationally leading lab for the study of hydrogeology and groundwater resources with an emphasis in karst landscape/aquifer systems. CHL is student-focused and works not only with WKU undergraduate and Master’s students, but K-12 students from area schools and the Gatton Academy as well as post-doctoral researchers from around the world. You can find examples of previous CE/Ts and other CHL research projects under Research Possibilities below.

Eligibility

Enrolled in the Honors College.
Enrolled in or planning to complete a Capstone Experience/Thesis.
Major/minor discipline in the sciences or closely related field.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter describing your research interests, a resume or curriculum vitae, and contact information for two references (professional and/or education based) to crawford.hydrology@wku.edu. While your education, experience, and enthusiasm are key factors for Research Fellow selection, students that show professionalism and creativity in the content and presentation of their application is also an important criteria for consideration.

Research Possibilities

The possibilities are almost endless, here's a link to current project descriptions but don't let these examples limit your thinking. You can also find examples of previous CE/Ts and other CHL research projects at the following links:

MHC Completed CE/Ts

Honors student research

Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region - Undergraduate student research (and international travel!)

CHL Dye Tracer Studies

CHL Grant-supported Student Research

Benefits and Responsibilities

Benefits to Students:

The Capstone Experience/Thesis (CE/T) project is an independent research or creative project that combines a student’s academic, intellectual, and professional goals. The CE/T offers students the opportunity to collaborate with faculty mentors while engaging in original research/work, contributing to their discipline, and exploring career options.
Training and experience working with professional hydrogeologists and environmental scientists in an academic, research setting as well as a real-world, environmental consulting firm - right here on the main campus!
Be part of the solution! CHL focuses on applied science and research in water resources, sustainability, and climate change. There is flexibility to develop a project you are passionate about.
May enroll in HON 303 (independent research) or Honors GEOL equivalent for credit hours.
Discover something new right below your feet! The study of caves and karst can require field work and direct exploration. There is so much yet to 'uncover' in terms of research as well as your personal connection to the natural world and the nearby globally significant, Mammoth Cave National Park.

Expectations:

Participants must remain in good standing.
Write and successfully defend an undergraduate honors thesis.
Give an oral or poster presentation at the WKU student research conference, Kentucky Academy of Science, or other suitable scientific venue.
Co-author a paper in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Participating scholars must maintain regular communication with MHC as well as provide thank you notes to sponsors (MHC will identify) and be available for MHC videos and/or events.

Other Scholarship Opportunities