Submitted by Meg Mills Novoa on
This research project examines the water resource implications of energy transition development in the Great Basin region of the Western United States. Our research aims to improve regional data availability, capture local dynamics, and engage communities around this critical intersection. We are conducting a regional geospatial analysis of energy transition development, including renewable energy and critical mineral development, as well as place-based case studies using qualitative and participatory methods to elucidate particular water resource dynamics in this water-scarce region. The SPUR student would assist with literature review, geospatial data collection and validation, policy document review, and water rights analysis.
This project offers a SPUR student the opportunity to engage in mixed-methods research about the intersections of energy transitions and water resources. The student will gain exposure to a variety of methods and skills, including literature review, geospatial data collection, policy document review and water rights analysis. They will work with an interdisciplinary team comprised of a water governance scholar (Dr. Sophia Borgias, Boise State University(BSU)), a climate policy scholar (Dr. Meg Mills-Novoa, UC Berkeley ), an energy transitions scholar (Dr. Elena Louder, UC Berkeley postdoc), a graduate water rights analyst (Alana Ballagh, UCB M.A. student), and a graduate geospatial analyst (Zane Cooper, BSU M.A. student). They will learn about energy transition development, including critical mineral mining as well as solar, geothermal, and pumped storage hydropower development, and become familiar with the range of community responses to the opportunities and impacts that it presents in the water scarce Great Basin region. They will examine interviews, documents, and geospatial data related to broad trends across the Great Basin (including southern Idaho), as well as in several case study areas in Nevada.
The ideal candidate would have a background in Environmental Studies or a related field, or some other source of familiarity with topics of energy transitions and/or water resources. Prior experience with qualitative and/or geospatial research is beneficial but not required. The student will need regular access to a computer and internet, with the ability to join Zoom meetings every week or two over the summer.