As early as possible! The earlier you begin, the more time you have to explore options, interview with prospective faculty members to ensure a good fit, and fine-tune your topic. It is better to work on your research and/or write your thesis without the added pressure of deadlines.

A Thesis Proposal is a project proposal document that details the rationale for your research, resources required to carry out the project, and a realistic timeline. This document also serves as a contract between you and your mentor. Find the Thesis Proposal template on Research and Thesis Resources.

Submit your proposal via email to the GES Student Services Specialist as soon as you and your mentor have agreed on the parameters of your project. Note that the review and approval process takes time, and you may need to clarify and/or modify parts of your proposal. Be mindful of registration deadline and plan ahead.

Do not start on your research project until your research proposal has been approved.

Explore, explore, explore! Start by considering your reasons for choosing GES as your major. Did you have topics or issues that you wanted to investigate or address? You can start with the big ideas and narrow it down to a more specific topic or question. You may also find a topic from one of your classes very interesting (like nutrient cycling in the deep ocean, or economic inequality brought on by climate change). Apply for internships or research jobs, volunteer at a lab, attend SOEST seminars if the topics pique your interest.

You may peruse the theses that past GES students have produced for ideas and inspiration and also read about GES students’ research experiences. You can also reach out to the GES Peers and ask them about their research!

If you choose to enroll in GES 399 (repeatable up to six (6) credits) to receive credit for your research with your project mentor serving as your instructor on record, you will receive a grade. Just like for any course, assessment will be based on your mentor’s expectations and your performance.

Otherwise, you will not receive a grade.

You need to find a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) faculty member who is an expert in that field of study to be your project mentor. You can also browse the directory of UHM faculty who are willing to mentor GES research to see if your idea corresponds to their area of research.

If you are having a hard time identifying one, seek help from Dr. Guidry or your GES major advisor.

Since no two projects are exactly the same, the time and effort required depends on the project. Some projects are more intensive than others, some require fieldwork, and others require specific equipment. Some graduates have also had the work they did for their thesis published in an academic journal, so what you put into it will be reflected in your final product.

Having said that, you will be expected to put in a specific number of semester hours for each credit you register in GES 399 or 499.

Most topics that are environmentally-related are acceptable (but do not assume and start on a project without first getting approval!) Peruse the theses that past GES students have produced for ideas and inspiration.

Go to Research and Thesis Resources and review the list of research programs and opportunities in which GES students have participated in the past.

Other ways include asking the professor whose class you enjoyed or the faculty member who mentored a past GES student in a project that interests you. They can be faculty members in other UHM departments/units as well. Reach out to them to see if they have a current project for you to tackle. You may also pitch your idea to them to see if they would be willing to develop a project together with you. If you volunteer or are employed at a research lab, you could ask your employer if they have any projects for you. You may also ask your GES advisor to suggest and/or introduce you to potential mentors.

There are prospective project mentors everywhere; you have to be actively looking and be proactive in your search. Start as early as possible to give yourself time to explore.

Together with your mentor, you have to submit a proposal for your project, which includes a rationale for your research, resources required to carry out the project, and a realistic timeline. Find the Thesis Proposal template on Research and Thesis Resources. Do not begin work on your research project before your proposal is approved.

You need to find a UHM faculty to be your co-mentor. Go to Research and Thesis Resources and review the GES Research and Thesis Guide for Mentors and Students (PDF) for mentor eligibility requirements.

Yes, you can, as long as all mentors are in agreement of the responsibilities and expectations.

Yes, you can. However, understand that switching mentor/project in the later stage of your thesis could cause a delay in completion and graduation. Switching early on before either you or you mentor have invested considerable time and effort would be better and less stressful for everyone involved. The GES program will do its best to support you. If you are having troubles with your project mentor, you should seek help from your GES major advisor. If your project mentor is also your major advisor, reach out to Dr. Guidry.

Tip: When searching for prospective mentor(s), allow a trial period to get to know them and their mentoring style, which can play a key role in your thesis journey. And start as early as you can!

The HP DesignJet Z9 plotter in POST 840 is available for printing posters. The plotter is 42″ wide. Costs for printing, per linear foot: $4 for uncoated bond paper, $7 for satin/semi-gloss/photo gloss paper. There is no discount for students. These charges pay for paper and ink.

View printer setup instructions here: Windows | Mac If you have questions about poster printing, contact SOEST Research Computing Facility (RCF).