What is the ambitious goal of this project?
In this VIP course, students will address the water resources-related issues under climate change in mountainous regions of the United States. Examples include declining groundwater levels in aquifers, decreased snowpack in the winter, and floods. Students will learn basic concepts and knowledge in hydrology and climate science. Active research projects will be used to help students gain research experiences on water resources research and practice quantitative data processing skills. The course will also include field data collection and community-engaged activities for students to achieve experiential learning.
Experience Gained
- Understand and model various water-related processes in mountainous regions such as Idaho
- Identify the water-related issues in the western US under climate change
- Evaluate the effectiveness of specific adaptation and mitigation measures related to water issues
- Develop research skills in water resources, i.e., formulate and testing hypotheses, design experiments for data collection, practice quantitative data analysis
- Students are expected to develop professional skills such as leadership development, developing interest in graduate school, multidisciplinary and diverse team working experiences, etc.
Methodologies and/or Technologies used to achieve project goals
- Coding and coding software
- Case studies
- Fieldwork
- K-12 outreach and collaboration
- Laboratory testing
- Participant/study observations
- Qualitative research methods
- Quantitative research methods
- Writing
Preferred Preparation
For 400 level: Take GEOS 212
Majors or Interests Needed
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Studies Program
- Geosciences
- Environmental Science
VIP Coach Information
Dr. Qife Niu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences and studies water resources with quantitative methods. Contact Dr. Niu at qifeiniu@boisestate.edu
Course Information
VIP 200, VIP 400 or VIP 500
Full semester course. Choose to enroll in 1 or 2 credits.
Team meetings: TBD once students register
Interested in joining this team?
For more information and to request a permission number to register, contact Dr. Qife Niu at qifeiniu@boisestate.edu. You can also complete this interest form and someone will contact you. Check out this page for tips on contacting a professor.
To register
To register search by Subject: Vertically Integrated Projects, read the project description to find the right section of VIP 200, 400, or 500. Use permission number, here are instructions Add with a permission number