First Year Seminar 191CNS56 - FYS- Topics in CNS

First-year (R1ST) Title: Fields of Wonder: How Curiosity Leads to Environmental Impact
What if your curiosity could help solve some of Earth's biggest challenges, like climate change, clean water, or food security? In this seminar, we'll explore broadly how environmental research fuels change, whether it's a soil sample that shapes climate policy or a forest discovery that goes viral on TikTok. This course will introduce a range of environmental research opportunities, from field and lab work to citizen science, while building your skills to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. Whether studying biology, communication, art, or anything in between, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how Earth science research drives change. By the end of the course, students will have created a personalized roadmap for navigating UMass-from joining research labs and clubs to finding resources that support academic and personal success.