Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO) Program

The Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO) program is a unique undergraduate-graduate- faculty experience that engages in research on human-environment relationships in Massachusetts. HERO Fellows conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of Clark University faculty. The research conducted by HERO Fellows often leads to scholarly publications, presentations at academic conferences across the USA, and awards and honors.

HERO Fellows analyze the causes and consequences of global environmental changes at local scales in faculty-led research projects. Each Fellow is paired with a Clark faculty mentor and other researchers on the HERO team. Fellows will learn how to use various research methods such as GIS, remote sensing, geostatistical modeling, interviews, and focus groups.

Based on a competitive application process, each year the HERO program selects a diverse group of undergraduate students to be HERO Fellows. HERO values students who demonstrate energetic and inquisitive minds, and who are fearless when charting new intellectual territory. Previous course work in research methods (Geog 141 or equivalent), and human or environmental geography — such as urban and population studies, GIS, landscape ecology, land-use planning, statistics, and remote sensing — is helpful but not required.

The HERO award funds each student $4,560 for the summer semester.

The deadline for this application is February 15.

Please visit the HERO website to learn more about the program.