With support from the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program, this Departmental/Division Transformation Track project at the University of California Merced aims to: 1) understand how challenges to engaging in field research may harm the success of undergraduates in the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (LES) and 2) devise sustainable solutions to remove barriers and promote success for all students in the department. Many scientific disciplines rely heavily on field work, including ecology, biology, and the earth, atmospheric, and ocean sciences, yet broadly engaging students in field-based STEM fields remains a challenge. This project will develop high-impact research experiences for students that capture the breadth of LES disciplines, as part of a sustainable, student-centered plan to develop workforce skills and growth. These activities will improve student experiences and training and accelerate their trajectory towards environmental careers. This project aims to attract and retain more students in LES majors; complete a departmental self-assessment to strengthen curricula; highlight the impact of LES careers throughout the curriculum; and support high-impact research experiences for students. These aims will ensure that department practices designed to benefit all students will remain sustainable as LES continues to grow and transform. The project will use qualitative and quantitative data to assess the outcom