Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems

Department of Watershed Sciences

Students of Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems study the relationships among physical, chemical and biological components of the earth's ecosystems. Specific areas of interest may include hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemistry, water quality, conservation, and restoration and management of aquatic and riparian ecosystems.

Graduates of this program may go on to work as scientists and managers for natural resource agencies, professionals with consulting and nonprofit environmental firms, or university teachers and researchers.

Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems Degree Program

Program Resources

Dr. Janice Brahney

Associate Professor

Watershed Sciences

Phone: (435) 797-4479

Email: janice.brahney@usu.edu

Office Location: NR 350

Senior Thesis

In place of Watershed Sciences capstone courses, students are able to prepare a written thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor. This option is advisable for students who wish to pursue research-intensive careers in Watershed Sciences. Please contact faculty directly to begin this process.

Suggested Timeline	Activity
Freshman/Sophomore (recommended)	Join USU Honors Program. Explore topics of interest. Meet with faculty, join lab group meetings, gain research experience.
Junior (1st semester)	Identify a faculty advisor and brainstorm topics, review literature.
Junior (2nd semester)	Complete senior thesis commitment form, write ~5 page proposal, submit to advisor, complete USU RCR course. Apply for URCO or other student research grant.
Upon approval of proposal	Begin research activities.
Senior year	Complete research activities, register for three research credits (WATS 4990) each semester, present results at SRC, SRS, OR Research Week, or scientific society meeting.
Final semester	Submit draft to advisor at least six weeks prior to graduation. Revise and submit final draft to advisor at least two weeks prior to graduation.

Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner-in-Training (CERPIT)

The Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems Major is aligned with Society for Ecological Restoration’s Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner-in-Training (CERPIT) program.

Offered by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), the CERPIT program is an optional professional accreditation for MRAE students.
Demonstrates to potential employers, clients, and collaborators that new graduates who have educational experience (but not necessarily full-time work experience) have obtained the necessary educational background to work in the field of ecological restoration.
Participants receive a variety of professional and networking benefits, including a personalized listing in SER’s CERP Directory, access to a global community of certified practitioners, and more.
Find out more.