Engage in sustainability research
ASU’s Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program gives students research opportunities that build career skills and improve competitiveness for jobs and graduate school.
Through the SURE program and its diverse faculty-led projects, students will build skills and experience in exploration and discovery to generate knowledge and develop evidence-based solutions for sustainability. Open to both in-person and online students, SURE students can gain hands-on research experience with faculty mentorship while earning course credit. The full program timeline, including the application deadline and applicant resources, is available on this page. From urban heat to energy system resilience, discover possible research topics and past students’ experiences below.
Preparation and Instruction
Both online and on-campus undergraduate students may apply.
SURE students have the option to enroll in a 3-credit independent research course during the Spring semester.
Projects are advertised and applications open during the Fall session A term, and then take place during the Spring semester.
Want to supervise a project?
ASU faculty and Ph.D. students interested in supervising Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience students can email the program director, Datu Buyung Agusdinata.
Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience
Application timeline
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July – early August
Projects are collected
Faculty and Ph.D. students are invited to submit SURE research opportunities for the upcoming academic year.
August – September
Explore available projects
Students can begin exploring Spring SURE opportunities. Watch for announcements about project and application availability.
Students enrolled in SOS 246 (Fall session A) can view project videos and descriptions from participating faculty and research teams and will receive priority selection for projects.
Late September – early October
Submit your application
Applications open in late September and are due in mid-October. Watch for email updates on application timelines, as deadlines may change. Students will submit a resume and additional information to help with project placement. Additional application resources are below.
November
Interviews and project selection
Project supervisors will review applications and contact selected students to arrange interviews. Once a project is selected, the student and supervisor must confirm the selection with each other and the SURE coordinator.
Hearing from multiple supervisors?
Let each supervisor who contacted you and the SURE coordinator know which project you have selected.
November – December
Prepare for Spring
Students may choose to enroll in course credit with their supervisors for the Spring term.
Prepare for your application
Learn more about the program and access tools to help you submit a strong application.
Prepare for applications
Enroll in SOS 246 (Fall session A)
Course participants receive priority selection for projects.
This one-credit course features faculty guest presentations and assignments designed to help you build a strong SURE application.
Application resources
Build a stronger application
A resume is required when applying for SURE projects.
A tailored cover letter is optional, but students who submit one have seen more success.
Want to ask us a question?
Students with questions regarding the SURE program can reach out to the program director, Datu Buyung Agusdinata, at [email protected].
Sustainability research topics
Sustainable governance and collective action
Urban and environmental planning
Food, water and energy systems management
Human health and wellbeing
Environmental justice and just transitions
Ecosystem dynamics and management
Highlights from past years
ASU student builds momentum in urban ecology research
Through the CAP LTER program and SURE, sophomore Sienna Baker conducted award-winning research on irrigation practices and urban heat in Phoenix.
SURE program gives sustainability student the edge to succeed
While participating in the SURE program, Kim Nguyen had the opportunity to work with Datu Buyung on a project titled “FEWS for Change: A Resource Conservation Role-Playing Game for Youth.”
Sign up for program updates
Stay in the loop on program announcements, deadlines and project placements.