California Ecology and Conservation
About the program
California Ecology and Conservation is an undergraduate field program that brings together students from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive scientific training at NRS reserves. Guided by experienced field instructors, students complete a series of increasingly independent research studies while learning to detect natural patterns, frame questions into feasible research projects, and apply field techniques. At the conclusion of each project, students analyze their data and present their findings in oral presentations, posters, and written reports. Students hone their research, public speaking, and scientific writing skills with constant practice and feedback while gaining a working familiarity with California’s diverse ecosystems.
My research, writing, and public speaking skills have improved and I am certain that
this is a result of this class.
This course helped to demystify the idea of research. We all learned to look at science
as a completely accessible process, and a fantastically rewarding one.
We were given tons of room to be creative with our research topics. I was excited to see the
entire project through because I genuinely had interest in the topic.
Before this I had never conducted research or worked in a lab, but now I am very comfortable
with the scientific process.
The most valuable aspect of the course is having daily, direct, easy access to two awesome
professors who are very experienced in the field.
The immersive nature of this course really pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me
how to do science in a way that I do not think I could have learned in a traditional classroom.
I loved getting to spend the summer in some of the most beautiful places in California with
a group of amazing people.
