Check out this KUT story on Wild Basin research!

Austin research points to why birds seemed louder at the start of pandemic

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Current research opportunities for students and community members.

At St. Edward’s University Wild Basin Creative Research Center, students do research in a living laboratory and enjoy significant benefits. Here you can:

  • Conduct rigorous research at an innovative field station within a 227-acre nature preserve
  • Receive support from dedicated faculty and staff for your research
  • Engage in existing research or create your own project
  • Receive financial support for your research if chosen as a Hook Fellow

Past students have studied a range of environmental topics at Wild Basin, including water quality, white-tailed deer density, microbes in the soil, and predators in birds’ nests. 

While Wild Basin is ideal for scientific research, we also encourage research and creative endeavors in other disciplines. For example, students may utilize the Creative Research Center to study art, policy and government, education, and business. Please email us to inquire about creative research opportunities.

All off-trail research and education must receive a permit from Travis County prior to beginning work. Please review the permit application requirements and email us with any questions. Any research done at Wild Basin must comply with federal regulations governing the protection of endangered species and their habitat.

Student conducting research at Wild Basin

Make a difference. Distinguish yourself to future employers. Become a Hook Fellow.

Given the challenges we now face with the climate crisis, it is more important than ever to advance our understanding of how best to conserve the environment. As a Hook Fellow, you can do meaningful research that makes a positive contribution to our world. In the process, you’ll also distinguish yourself to prospective employers and give yourself a competitive edge in the job market. Learn more about becoming a Hook Fellow.

Faculty Researcher

Unique opportunities for faculty researchers. 

The Creative Research Center welcomes the opportunity to support and collaborate with faculty who wish to engage in their own research at a dedicated field station. Opportunities are offered to faculty at St. Edward’s as well as other institutions of higher learning. To learn more reach out by email.

Aerial map of Wild Basin

An island within a city is an ideal location for research.

The Creative Research Center is located within a 227-acre nature preserve in the city of Austin. This geography is ideal for studying urban impacts on plants and wildlife. Because the preserve is open daily for hiking, Wild Basin is also an excellent location to study human and wildlife interaction.