EHaz A consortium for graduate degrees in Earth Hazards studies

Members

Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico DF

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

What is EHaz?

This program is a consortium of six research-based universities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. The focus area for the mobility program is mitigation of geological natural hazards in North America. The consortium universities will exchange students and faculty in several engineering and science disciplines (e.g. environmental engineering, civil engineering, geological engineering, social sciences and geology) involved in the study of natural geological hazards. Students in the social sciences also will be exchanged, recognizing that the solution of natural hazards problems involves critical political, social, and economic aspects. At least 46 students (16 from the U.S., 16 from Canada and 14 from Mexico) will be mobilized among the participating universities through one- to two-semester visits and up to 60 more students will be mobilized via short-term, intensive courses. Student activities will consist of three stages: intensive language training, natural hazards coursework, and professional or research internships with local industries, agencies or at the host university. Faculty activities will focus on curriculum development and development of an important knowledge and reference base from the participants' reports. Curriculum development activities will include development and implementation of new modules on the North American perspective into existing natural hazards courses. Implementation of the North American modules will potentially affect hundreds more students during the project and far more students after the project period, since the modules will become a permanent part of the curriculum.

Who can participate?

The consortium universities are exchanging undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in several engineering and science disciplines (e.g. civil engineering, geological engineering, environmental engineering, and geology) involved and in the social sciences (political science, social science, and economics).

Experimental Classes:

The consortium has also been running experimental advanced classes using the internet, where students from many universities can share class experiences and use a variety of outside experts. The class this semester (spring 2006) is Supereruptions.

What kinds of exchanges can be done?

A study abroad consists of a one- or two-semester stay at a US, Mexican or Canadian university, including intensive language training, water resources coursework, and an internship. Study abroad is allowed only in the countries outside the student's host university. Students will register and pay the usual tuition and fees at their home university. Coursework credits are transferable. Students will earn a stipend and most travel expenses will be paid.

Short-term intensive courses are field hazards studies (two to three weeks) on earth hazards topics in the U.S. Canada or Mexico. Most field trip expenses will be paid for by the program. No language proficiency is required. The intensive courses are offered yearly, and may be taken at any of the partner universities. Here is our planned schedule of field studies:

1. May-June 2006 Restless Calderas of Western US: Long Valley and Yellowstone (led by US partners with help from other institutions)

2. August-Sept 2007 Debris Avalanches and Landslides of the Cascade Range (US and Canada) and Canadian Rockies (led by Canadian Partners)

3. May- June 2008 Active Convergent Plate Boundary Volcanism in Mexico (led by Mexican partners)

Why participate in this exchange?

At your host university, you will have access to expanded curricula. Your internship will provide research or practical experience. Most importantly, you will experience living within a different culture.

How can I find out about this opportunity?

Contact one of the people below--whomever is at your home University.

William I Rose (US Lead) MTU Curricular Info

Michigan Technological University International Programs & Services

Geological Engineering & Sciences For students who plan to come to MTU:

1400 Townsend Drive Saleha Suleman, Director

Houghton, MI 49931 For MTU students who wish to go to Mexico or Canada:

Tel: (906) 487-2367 Fax: (906) 487-3371 Mary J Stevens, Study Abroad Director

raman@mtu.edu

Michael Sheridan Buffalo Curricular Info

University at Buffalo International Exchanges

Geology Department