Research beyond borders
As an Oregon State University Ecampus student, I often wondered how I could engage in meaningful scientific research while learning remotely. Without easy access to physical labs or face-to-face interactions with faculty, conducting research seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, through Oregon State’s Spring Poster Symposium and OSU’s commitment to online student research, I discovered that opportunities exist for Ecampus students; we just need the right mentorship and tools.
My experience working under Dr. Mark Raleigh in the field of snow hydrology and watershed research has been transformative. This blog post aims to shed light on how Oregon State online students can engage in research, overcome challenges, and turn online learning into an opportunity for groundbreaking work.
The research focus: Snowpack, climate and water resources
My research investigates how climate-driven changes in snowpack impact river streamflow in the Pacific Northwest. Snow is a natural reservoir that stores and gradually releases water throughout the year. However, as temperatures rise, snowfall is shifting to rainfall, disrupting traditional water availability patterns and increasing the risks of flooding, drought, and ecosystem changes.
Using GIS-based spatial analysis, remote sensing data (Sentinel, LiDAR), and historical climate records, I focus on:
- Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) trends and their correlation with river discharge.
- The shift from snow to rain precipitation and its impact on seasonal runoff.
- How altered snowmelt timing affects hydrological cycles and water resource management.
By analyzing historical data from the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, I create spatial models that visualize hydrological shifts, providing insights for climate adaptation strategies in the Pacific Northwest.
The challenges of research as an online student
Conducting research remotely presents unique challenges, but modern collaboration tools help overcome traditional barriers:
- Limited access to physical labs: Leveraged cloud-based GIS platforms and remote sensing datasets while using Slack for real-time collaboration with field teams who shared their data through Box and Google Drive.
- Skill development without in-person training: Mastered MATLAB and GIS through virtual mentorship, screen-sharing sessions, and collaborative coding platforms like GitHub where my mentor could review and comment on my code.
- Building a research community remotely: Connected with the CryoSIGHT team through Zoom meetings, Microsoft Teams channels, and digital whiteboarding tools that enabled real-time brainstorming and problem-solving across time zones.
These digital collaboration tools demolished traditional geographic limitations. My experience proves that with the right technology and mindset, Ecampus students can conduct sophisticated research from anywhere, often with greater flexibility than on-campus peers.
Why this research matters
My work demonstrates that Ecampus students can contribute meaningful research with real-world impact. Using entirely remote methods, I developed GIS models and analyses that help water managers create forecasts, assist policymakers with drought planning, and prepare communities for water supply changes in cities like Portland and Seattle.
This proves that location is no barrier to scientific contribution. Fellow Ecampus students can leverage similar digital tools and remote collaboration to conduct impactful research from anywhere, developing professional skills while addressing urgent environmental challenges; all without setting foot in a traditional lab.
Turning online learning into research success
Working with Dr. Raleigh and the CryoSIGHT team has shaped my academic and career path in water resource management. I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Raleigh for his exceptional mentorship and willingness to accommodate my unique situation as an Ecampus student. His flexibility in designing remote research methodologies, his patience during virtual meetings across time zones, and his consistent encouragement made this research possible. Without his belief that distance should not be a barrier to scientific inquiry, this work would not have been possible.
For any Ecampus student wondering if research is possible, the answer is YES. With the right mentorship, tools, and determination, distance is not a barrier to making meaningful scientific contributions.
Advice for online students interested in research
Reach out to faculty: Don’t assume research is out of reach because you’re online. I connected with Dr. Raleigh through Oregon State’s research symposiums, which opened doors to incredible research experiences. Faculty are often eager to work with motivated students regardless of location.
Leverage remote tools: GIS, Python, ShareDocs, and open-source climate databases provide powerful remote research opportunities, even without physical lab access. These digital tools allow Ecampus students to conduct sophisticated analyses from anywhere in the world.
Participate in OSU research showcases like SPS: Presenting my work and connecting with faculty played a key role in shaping my academic and career path. The Fall Virtual Symposium is specifically designed for remote participation, while the Spring Poster Symposium offers in-person opportunities for this year. With these options, geographic barriers are not a limitation, making research presentation accessible to all students, including those in Ecampus.
Whichever option works best for your situation, I strongly encourage all students to showcase their research. These presentations not only strengthen your academic profile but also create valuable connections with faculty and peers.
Register for either symposium — and find important dates and deadlines — on Oregon State’s undergraduate research website.
Discover how Kevin and other members of the Ecampus Student Advisory Board impact the online student experience at Oregon State University, and read about eligibility and participation requirements.
