Overview

This class will provide hands-on training in the characterization and analysis of land surface hazards utilizing state-of-the-art approaches to field observation, data acquisition, and analysis. The study sites are mountain regions affected by the 2020 Cameron Peak fire that have experienced significant geomorphic change via post-wildfire erosion and flooding. Participants will gain experience with uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and use methods such as lidar, Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, and kinematic GPS/GNSS. They will learn how to design and implement field surveys for surface change detection (technical support from the NSF National Geophysical Facility operated by EarthScope). After the data acquisition is complete, participants will work with newly generated and existing datasets of the study sites to conduct change detection exercises in the computer lab on CSU’s Mountain Campus.

Participants should plan to arrive in Fort Collins, CO, in the early afternoon of Monday, July 27th, and buses will take participants to CSU’s Mountain Campus. We will depart CSU’s Mountain Campus on the morning of Saturday, August 1st.

Eligibility

The course is open to any graduate student (MS or PhD) in relevant geoscience and engineering fields who is currently enrolled or matriculating in Fall 2026.

Cost/Support

Course fee is $850 inclusive of 6 days room/board, course materials and transportation from Denver International Airport or Ft. Collins. We are thrilled to share that, we are able to offer full course fee waivers and airfare assistance through NSF support for a limited number of applicants. We have significant funds to distribute, so we strongly encourage you to apply and let us help you get here.