Submitted by Miguel Altieri on
Urbanized areas are the fastest growing habitat type worldwide; over 80% of the world's population is expected to reside in cities by 2060. Studying urban food system function will be incredibly crucial for current and future urban residents. The San Francisco Bay Area has a meaningful history of urban farming, and urban agriculture in the region continues to significantly impact to food security in local communities – often producing over 20 lbs. of produce per square meter. Research apprentices will participate in a long-term, ongoing project exploring ecological function and regulating ecosystem services in urban farms and gardens. This project focuses on identifying drivers of pest damage in urban farms and understanding what on-farm practices can be used to reduce crop loss, as well as investigating landscape features around urban farms that can contribute to pest infestations.
Candidates will learn sampling techniques, including vacuum sampling, preparation of sentinel prey traps, and transect counts. The student will help collect and analyze data, identify insects, and prepare insects for collection. Ideal candidates will have experience working in urban agriculture, be able to spend time in urban farms and gardens throughout the East Bay - occasionally on weekends - be enthusiastic about community outreach, and provide their own transportation (travel allowances are available). Applicants will work with an established team of undergraduates and graduate student Joshua Arnold.
(Off-Campus): Field visits, insect sampling. (On-Campus): insect identification, community outreach, preparing reports, organizing data.
Able to comfortably move throughout SF Bay Area, work outside, and be okay with handling insects.