Examining Human-Environment Relationships in Massachusetts
Each year, the Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO) program provides funding for a cohort of select undergraduate students to engage in research on human-environment relationships in
Massachusetts. For eight weeks during the summer, HERO Fellows conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of Clark University faculty and graduate students.
As part of their research, Hero Fellows:
- Present their findings in July to stakeholders from the local, state, and federal governments.
- Continue assessing their research in the following academic year.
- Present their research at academic conferences and campuswide student research fairs.
- Collaborate with faculty and graduate students to publish their research.
Current Research
As part of a Massachusetts initiative called Greening the Gateway Cities, students are examining juvenile tree health and stewardship in former factory cities. The students collaborate with the Department of Conservation and Recreation on this tree inventory and stakeholder assessment.
Over the last two years, students have focused on trees in Leominster, Pittsfield, Chicopee, and Fall River.
Past Research
Over the past two decades, HERO Fellows working with faculty have:
- Assessed the impact of the Asian long-horned beetle invasion, partnering with the Worcester Tree Initiative, state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Collaborated with the Massachusetts Forest Monitoring Program (MAFoMP) to apply remote sensing data and technology to monitor large-area forest cover change in Massachusetts.
- Conducted a vulnerability assessment to explore interactions among suburbanization, climate change, and land and water policies, at scales of the household, town, and region. Students examined how to develop, use, and evaluate GIS-based computer models that simulate how humans change landscapes.
Current Cohort of Students
The cohort of undergraduate students will be announced later in the spring.
How to Apply
The HERO program is based in the Graduate School of Geography, with support from the George Perkins Marsh Institute. Students apply in February.