Thinking about completing a Senior Project? Here’s what you need to know to get started: Senior Project is the most common and default capstone path for Warnell students. It’s designed to give you experience working in small teams on fundamental or applied research, management, outreach, or extension projects with faculty or external clients. Because Senior Project can span the full range of professional endeavors in natural resources management, students can identify a project that meets their professional interests and goals after graduation. Senior Project is an ideal opportunity for students to grow and demonstrate their collaboration skills and is often effective for skill-building and developing professional connections. Senior Project is an appropriate pathway for students interested in research and continuing to complete a graduate thesis. Some projects also include opportunities for students to create professional products (e.g., technical tools or reports, peer-reviewed publications) that can help them with future job or graduate applications. A successful Senior Project experience simultaneously requires knowing what is important to you and being willing to compromise. Collaboration requires integrating your interests and goals with those of others. It may also be the case that your “dream” project is not available and that you will need to consider other projects where you can meet your top priorities for your capstone experience. Consider a range of project opportunities that might make for a quality capstone experience. Step 1: Explore what’s possible From the time you enter the Warnell professional program, you should regularly review the types of project opportunities that are common. Take time to: Review past and current advertised projects Consider the types of topics, problems, skills, or products that interest you Think about whether you prefer a faculty-led or direct-with-client project Reach out to the Senior Project Coordinator with questions or if you’d like help connecting with a project. Step 2: Talk to the Capstone Coordinators or faculty with current projects The Capstone Coordinators for Senior Project and Senior Thesis host info sessions each semester to walk students through the process, timeline, and expectations. You’re also encouraged to reach out directly with questions or if you’d like help connecting with a project. If you have any questions or need further guidance, contact Senior Project Coordinators: Dr. Duncan ElkinsOffice: 4-407Phone: 706-623-2254Email: delkins@uga.edu Dr. John MaerzOffice: 3-323Phone: 706-705-2003Email: jcmaerz@uga.edu Step 3: Decide how you will complete Senior Project Option 1: You have the option to enroll in Senior Project (FANR 4501) without committing to a project in advance. In the first weeks you will be guided into groups and settle on a project that you and peers want to pursue. Option 2: You can apply to work on an advertised project that is most likely faculty directed.After deciding which option your prefer: Review the list of available projects Submit a separate application form for each project you would like to apply for. It is recommended that you submit a separate application for each project with your information tailored to the criteria for that project. Faculty or clients will follow up with applicants about next steps and final decisions on project teams. You may be asked to meet with faculty or clients as part of this process. Note: You can apply for multiple projects but you must submit a separate application for each project that interests you. You are encouraged but not required that you tailor your application for each project based on the project description. Submit Senior Project Application Current Projects View the complete list of available Senior Projects. Senior Project Timeline and Course Sequence Semester Recommended Course Focus Capstone semester 1 FANR 4501 or FANR 4960R, 4970R or 4980R Team formation; defining objectives and specific goals and contraints; project planning; background research; some project execution Capstone semester 2 FANR 4502S or FANR 4990R Implentation; report writing; final presentation Depending on the nature of your project, the Senior Project Coordinator will determine your correct course sequence. The default sequence is FANR 4501 and FANR 4502S. Project types Senior Projects typically fall into two paths: Faculty-led Projects Based on ongoing fundamental or applied research, management, outreach, or other work that is part of that faculty member’s broader program Students join a team of peers supervised by one or more Warnell faculty members and work within the faculty member’s “lab” alongside their staff and graduate students The supervising faculty member, with support from the Senior Project Coordinator, will lead training of students on essential skills and competencies Students may have opportunities to work with external clients or collaborators facilitated through the faculty member Projects often have a clear scope and timeline and may involve planning and execution during the first capstone semester. The second capstone semester may include additional work with a transition to analysis and producing final products. Client-led Projects Students work directly with an outside organization The Senior Project Coordinator will lead the training or guide the students through effective organization and execution of their projects Students work directly with clients to define objectives and identify constraints Students meet regularly with Senior Project advisors or Coordinator for progress check-ins and to receive advice on project details Most of the first capstone semester will involve building relationships with clients, refining projects and planning, while more execution may occur early in the second capstone semester. Working with your team Each team includes 3–4 students, a faculty advisor or client, and a Senior Project Coordinator. Students working directly with clients will also have 1–2 Senior Project Advisors. Throughout the project, you should expect to: Meet at least weekly to plan and implement your work Divide tasks and share responsibilities Prepare a written final product (management plan, technical report, manuscript, or portfolio) and final presentation The Senior Project Coordinator is available to support team communication, resolve challenges, and keep your project on track. In addition to faculty mentors or advisors, the Senior Project Coordinator is your primary point of contact for problems or questions and you should keep them “in the loop” as you navigate questions or problems. Writing your project report Your advisor or client will guide you in selecting the appropriate format. Presenting your work All teams present their projects at the end of the second Capstone semester. These presentations are attended by faculty, clients, staff, and peers. Your final presentation should: Summarize your project objectives and specific goals, constraints, methods, findings, and recommendations Highlight team collaboration and lessons learned Offer recommendations or next steps for the client (if applicable) Tips for success Communicate regularly with your team, advisor, and coordinator Stay organized and use shared documents or project tools Don’t delay writing or preparing presentations. These should be living documents that develop as your project progresses Treat the project like a job. Projects often lead to professional connections Ask for help early if you encounter challenges FAQ What if none of the projects currently posted interest me? You are not required to apply for a project. Students enrolled in Senior Project who do not apply or get selected for an advertised project must register for FANR 4501 for their first Capstone semester. You will be assigned a project at the start of FANR 4501 or you can develop your own project with an external client in consultation with the Senior Project Coordinator.
