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Clark University

Human-Environment Regional Observatory
Student measuring treee

Welcome to the 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. Starting in the summer, HERO Fellows conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of Clark University faculty. Over 25 years and counting, the program has sponsored 200 undergraduate HERO Fellows and a number of graduate students; received almost $3.5 million in research funding, much of it from the National Science Foundation; and generated approximately 45 book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals. The program currently is sponsored by the John T. O’Connor ’78 Fund.

Why be a HERO?

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 learn how to use various research methods such as geographic information science (GIS), remote sensing, geostatistical modeling, interviews, and focus groups.

  • Unique hands-on research experience working with graduate students and faculty
  • Opportunities for publications, presentations, honors, and awards
  • Stipend for eight weeks of research, plus academic credit in the following year
  • Funding for attendance to present research at Association of American Geographers (AAG) annual scholarly meetings
HERO fellows walking through Chicopee with local community members

How to Apply

A fellowship through the HERO program gives you the opportunity to perform field work, capture real data, and present at stakeholder meetings.

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Student presenting place-making assessment research

Current and Past Research

HERO fellows have researched tree replanting, dynamic land change, climate change, and other areas to explore their impact environmentally and socially.

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Applications will be accepted until February 15

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The HERO Experience

HERO team meeting DCR Foresters in Chicopee
HERO team meeting DCR Foresters in Chicopee
HERO students discuss summer research findings with DCR Foresters and residents
HERO students discuss summer research findings with DCR Foresters and residents
A walk through a planting zone with the DCR
A walk through a planting zone with the DCR
Practicing tree health inventory protocols on campus
Practicing tree health inventory protocols on campus
Geography faculty discuss HERO research at stakeholder summit
Geography faculty discuss HERO research at stakeholder summit
DCR Foresters explain tree planting protocols
DCR Foresters explain tree planting protocols
Students present to DCR Foresters, faculty and residents at stakeholder summit
Students present to DCR Foresters, faculty and residents at stakeholder summit
Students discuss residential tree stewardship with homeowners
Students discuss residential tree stewardship with homeowners
Shannon and Juliette review their interview notes
Shannon and Juliette review their interview notes
Tree survey at the Hadwen Arboretum
Tree survey at the Hadwen Arboretum
DCR Foresters explain how to plant street trees effectively
DCR Foresters explain how to plant street trees effectively
Meyru and Miles discuss their results with the Worcester Tree Initiative
Meyru and Miles discuss their results with the Worcester Tree Initiative
Elizabeth Lohr and Rowan Moody interview Fall River resident
Elizabeth Lohr and Rowan Moody interview Fall River resident
Amrita Pai and Ksenia Smart interviewing resident in the Burncoat neighborhood
Amrita Pai and Ksenia Smart interviewing resident in the Burncoat neighborhood
Clio Bate and Ksenia Smart measuring tree structure and health on residential property
Clio Bate and Ksenia Smart measuring tree structure and health on residential property
HERO Fellows demonstrating tree inventory techniques to Worcester Technical High School Environmental Science students
HERO Fellows demonstrating tree inventory techniques to Worcester Technical High School Environmental Science students
HERO Fellows touring the tree planting area in the Burncoat neighborhood
HERO Fellows touring the tree planting area in the Burncoat neighborhood

HERO Research News

HERO fellows study city’s recovery from tree-killing beetles

Presentation sheds light on health of new plantings

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HERO researchers study how trees keep things cool

HERO fellows examine temperature data in Holyoke, Fall River, and Chelsea

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When the going gets hot, HERO fellows get going

Student researchers propose strategies to cool off Worcester neighborhoods

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Affiliated Programs

Graduate School of Geography

Faculty and graduate students from the the Graduate School of Geography work closely with HERO Fellows as they learn different research methods.

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George Perkins Marsh Institute

The George Perkins Marsh Institute’s partnership with HERO is dedicated to research around humans’ relationship with the environment.

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Contact Information

HERO Program

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