Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research

This project involves research on a range of issues associated with “problem solving” in the environmental field and other contexts.  There are a number of likely areas of focus, depending in part on student interest and evolving concerns as the project develops, including:

1. Case studies of water management, environmental health, co-management practices, environmental justice, and climate-related issues in the Bay Area and California;
2. Challenges created in the context of federal level policy shifts under the current administration;
3. Cultural approaches to problem solving in a broad range of field, including ;
4. Historical studies of environmental problems and solutions;
5. Challenges faced by students interested in careers in environmental fields;
6. Identifying academic, organization and agency contacts.

The project is oriented to supporting the development of materials for courses and workshops, as well as gaining a broad understanding of approaches to and frameworks for “problem solving” in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Timeframe and location:  The project will be initiated during Summer 2025, and is likely to carry forward through Fall 2025 and beyond.  Applicants are expected to work through Summer 2025, and may be able to continue in the position in future semesters.

Course credit and time-commitment:  The undergraduate researcher will enroll in an ESPM 199, Independent Study, course for a minimum of one unit, with the expectation that they will contribute at least 45 hours of work per unit over the course of the semester.  The work will primarily involve remote research.