The EMIGRA VIP team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. The overall goal of this project is to contribute to the conservation of wildlife that migrates across international boundaries by addressing the challenges posed by inconsistent management practices. Through our research, we aim to develop principles for sustainable and equitable governance of transboundary migratory species. Our focus is on species that provide essential ecosystem …

The Mastering Origami of Two-Dimensional Materials VIP team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. The goal of this VIP is to develop novel methods for manipulating one-atom-thick two-dimensional (2D) materials. By twisting, folding, cutting, tearing, stretching, and stacking these materials, the team aims to engineer new electrical, optical, and quantum properties. The challenge lies in mastering the precise control of these atomically thin materials …

The Microbial Volatilome team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. This team explores the critical yet often overlooked role of volatile compounds in microbial metabolism, focusing on both greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that serve as metabolic substrates and signaling molecules in microbial communities. Our research leverages cutting-edge VOC detection technologies and genomics approaches to understand these crucial components of the microbial …

Our team is developing a Digital Twin of Biosphere 3 the world’s largest and most complex controlled environment. By combining data integration, AI, extended reality (XR), and robotics, we aim to create a virtual model that mirrors the intricate interactions between Biosphere 3’s biomes and engineered systems. This groundbreaking effort will help advance digital twin methodologies and deepen our understanding of coupled natural and human-made environments. Through this project, students gain hands-on experience in 3D modeling, real-time data visualization, and …

The AI-Driven Healthcare Applications team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. The team focuses on developing AI technology that can perform a range of basic tasks, from detection and recognition of medical conditions to more intricate challenges such as segmentation. The team specializes in developing deep learning systems specifically tailored for embedded computer vision and various healthcare applications. The project team’s research drive is …

The Applied International Development Economics (AIDE) Lab is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. This team investigates critical economic and environmental challenges facing communities worldwide, with a particular focus on measuring and improving climate adaptation among small-scale producers (SSPs) in developing regions. Our research addresses pressing global issues including poverty, food insecurity, and economic inequality in the context of accelerating climate change. The team employs …

The Assessing Resilience of Arizona Grasslands team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. This team conducts groundbreaking research at the Santa Rita Experimental Range (RainManSR) to understand how changing precipitation patterns in the U.S. Southwest impact rangeland ecosystems. Through an innovative, large-scale rainfall manipulation experiment, we study how extreme-duration drought affects vital aspects of grassland ecosystems, from soil hydrology to vegetation productivity. The team …

The Rainforest Resilience team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. The Biosphere 2 rainforest—experiencing canopy temperatures well beyond what any Biosphere 1 rainforest experiences—is uniquely suited to determine long-term ecosystem and individual responses to climate change. Furthermore, it provides a fantastic testing ground for research tools to investigate tropical forest ecosystems. Basic courses for the Rainforest Resilience VIP will include: Honors Internship (3 units), …

The Wonder Studio at Biosphere 2 is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Spring 2026 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis. This team blends animation, film, and data visualization to transform scientific research into powerful visual stories that captivate and educate. The Wonder Studio functions as a creative lab where science meets imagination, giving students hands-on experience in creative science communication. Students will collaborate on projects that translate complex scientific ideas into accessible …